When I Passed the Statue of Liberty I Became Black

“[Edwards’] manuscript was rejected by multiple publishers before his death in the 1970s. At last, his dignity and humanistic outlook are being shared with the world.”—Barney Horner, New Statesman “A fascinating historical document. Harry Edward had a sharp eye and an ever-busy pen. Unfailingly frank, humorous, always dignified and empathetic, Edward describes a world in flux, as seen by a Black hero no-one really knows about—and everyone should.”—Hugh Muir, writer and editor at The Guardian “The celebration of Britain’s first Black Olympic medallist would merit its own narrative, but that was just the beginning of Harry Edward’s race through life. His story deserves to be told and his experiences should remind us all that we are all equal both in and out of the sporting arena.”—Steve Cram, British track and field athlete “Harry was empowered by his Olympic experience and truly lived the Olympic values. He fought injustice and for inclusion wherever he went. His story is an inspiration to us all and is as relevant today as it was fifty years ago.”—Joël Bouzo OLY, World Olympic Association president “Harry Edward tells the story of a man who fought for justice in the United States—and the world over. His was truly an Olympic spirit.”—Katherine Mooney, author of Isaac Murphy: The Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey “Such a beautiful, engaging, fascinating book—and to think we had it here at the Amistad Research Center all this time. When I Passed the Statue of Liberty I Became Black is a wonderful contribution to the fields of sports and history. Kudos to Neil Duncanson for getting this memoir out into the world where it belongs.”—Lisa Moore, Amistad Research Center