In Remembrance, Lee Evans

Yesterday the world lost American Olympic gold medalist athlete and influential leader in the Black Power movement, Lee Evans.

Lee Evans was born on February 25th, 1947, in Madera California, and was a co-founder in the Olympic Project for Human Rights, which was an organization protesting against racial segregation and racism in sports. During the 1968 Mexican Olympics, in which Lee Evans competed in as a sprinter, black athletes protested the games and systematic racism by wearing an article of black clothing for every event that they participated in. Lee Evans won two gold medals during the 1968 Mexican Olympic games for the 400m sprint and the 4 x 400m relay.

During the award ceremony, Evans along with fellow African American medalists Larry James and Ron Freeman accepted their medals while wearing berets in solidarity with the Black Panther Party. It is the determined bravery and stand that these athletes made in the late 60’s that has given us the platform to continue to fight systematic racism. As we continue to stand for inclusivity and equal exposure in our culture, we give a respectful nod of thanks to those who have come before us.

In May 2021, Lee Evans suffered a stroke in Lagos, Nigeria, and was hospitalized. He passed away on May 19th, 2021.