African-American swimmer Simone Manuel recently won 2 gold medals in the 2016 Rio Olympics. A Facebook user shared a photo of a man pouring acid into the water at the Monson Motor Lodge in St. Augustine, FL because he didn't want African-Americans to swim in the pool. This photo depicted how important it is that an African-American person win a gold medal today, as they were banned from all swimming pools and beaches just 50 years ago.
16 First African-American Athletes Changing The History Of Sports!
"These photos are only 52 years apart"
Upon the success of Simone Manuel, we gathered a list of first African-American athletes that made history with their successful careers!
1. 1890- George Dixon is the first African-American world boxing champion.
2. 1899- Marshall 'Major' Taylor becomes the first African-American world cycling champion.
3. 1908- John Baxter Taylor becomes the first African-American to win a gold medal in the London Olympics.
4. 1924- Dehart Hubbard becomes the first African-American to win an Olympic gold medal in a individual event.
Hubbard won a medal in long jump.