Olympic Pride, American Prejudice

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice is a compelling and deeply moving documentary directed by Deborah Riley Draper. This astounding film, which features Blair Underwood in the role of narrator and executive producer, Sada Jacobson, former U.S. fencer, and Susan D. Bachrach, a prominent historian, first appeared on screens in 2016. The documentary is an exploration of the little-known and often overlooked story of 18 African-American athletes who contested the dominant racial prejudices of their time at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany.

The public narrative surrounding the 1936 Olympics often focuses on the heroic efforts of Jesse Owens challenging Hitler’s Aryan supremacy. Nevertheless, Olympic Pride, American Prejudice unearths the incredible and overlooked stories of the other 17 African-American athletes who competed in the Olympics under the shadow of the Nazi regime.

The film delves deep into the backdrop of the historical, racial, and socio-political climate that these African-American athletes found themselves grappling with in America and Europe during the 1930s era. Besides the significant threat of the Nazi ideology that confronted them internationally, these athletes were also bearing the weight of racial discrimination and segregation policies within their own homeland.

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice revels in its pursuit of presenting a well-rounded and multilayered narrative, combining archival footage with dramatic reenactments, interviews, and animated sequences. For instance, the film introduces us to the athletes before leading us into the heart of the 1936 Olympics, thus allowing us to view the event through their prism. In this manner, it creates a more intimate and nuanced depiction of these athletes, their challenges, their victories, and the profound impact they had in shifting perceptions about race.

Blair Underwood enhances his role as narrator by lending his authoritative yet compassionate voice to the tale. As an executive producer of the film, Underwood, in league with director Deborah Riley Draper, takes great pains to ensure that the film maintains a respectful, poignant, and affecting tone throughout, reflecting the seriousness of the topics at its core.

Sada Jacobson's involvement, as an Olympic medalist herself, gives an additional layer of authenticity and deeper understanding of the emotions, challenges, and triumphs associated with being an Olympian. Simultaneously, Susan D. Bachrach, due to her extensive historical knowledge and perspective, brings in key insights to contextualize the experiences of these 18 athletes within the broader socio-political fabric of the time.

Amid all its focus on shedding light on a hidden aspect of history, the film never loses sight of the fact that its subjects are individuals with aspirations, dreams, and families. As much as it's about the Olympics and the heavy weight of history, it is also an account of love, hope, and courage, and a tribute to the human spirit's will to transcend adversities.

An interesting aspect of the film is how it balances the exploration of the historical events and the personal narratives. While showcasing the shared struggles and experiences, Draper also delineates the unique journey of each of the 18 athletes, thereby adding a rich tapestry of individual tales to the collective epic.

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice compels us to question, reflect and engage with history from a different perspective. It aspires not just to inform but to inspire, opening our eyes to not only the prejudices of the past but also to the progress of the present, propelled by the courage and determination of individuals like these 18 athletes. It is a timely reminder of the resilience and courage that sports and athletes can embody, capable of challenging and changing deeply entrenched biases.

The film is a perfect blend of sports, history, and human interest. It is not just a documentary but a profoundly poignant cinematic experience that is suitable for not only sports or history enthusiasts but anyone who appreciates well-crafted, inspirational human stories. Olympic Pride, American Prejudice delivers a powerful punch, leaving an enduring impression on its viewers, and deserves a rightful place among other thought-provoking and influential works on sports and race.