Harry Edwards (sociologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr. Harry Edwards
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| Born |
Harry Edwards
November 22, 1942 |
| Alma mater | Fresno City College San Jose State University (BA) Cornell University (PhD) |
| Spouse(s) |
Sandra Y. Boze
(m. 1970) |
| Awards | Woodrow Wilson Fellowship |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Sociology |
| Institutions | University of California, Berkeley |
Dr. Harry Edwards, born on November 22, 1942, is an American sociologist and civil rights activist. He is known for his important work focusing on the experiences of African-American athletes. Dr. Edwards taught sociology at the University of California, Berkeley for many years. He is now a Professor Emeritus, meaning he has retired but keeps his title.
A Champion for Athletes
Dr. Edwards has spent his career studying the lives of African-American athletes. He strongly believes that Black people should have more leadership roles in professional sports. He has worked as a special advisor for the San Francisco 49ers football team and the Golden State Warriors basketball team. He also helped find talented Black individuals for important management jobs in Major League Baseball.
The Olympic Project for Human Rights
Dr. Edwards wrote a famous book called The Revolt of the Black Athlete. He also created the Olympic Project for Human Rights. This project led to a powerful protest at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Two African-American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, raised their fists in a "Black Power Salute." This was a silent protest to show support for human rights. Years before, Dr. Edwards himself was a discus thrower on the San Jose State track team.
The New York Times Magazine once said that Dr. Edwards helps inspire people to act. They called him a reformer, someone who wants to make things better. They noted that he has done a lot to show how bigger problems in society are also seen in sports. He believes that sports are not separate from the world's challenges.
Dr. Edwards told Time magazine that he wants to be a good example for others. He was a promising athlete but chose to become a scholar instead. He said, "We must teach our children to dream with their eyes open." He means that kids should understand that becoming a professional athlete like Jerry Rice or Magic Johnson is very rare. He believes young Black people should use their energy to become productive citizens in a world that uses a lot of technology.
Later Work and Recognition
In 2014, the University of Texas at Austin started a special lecture series named after Dr. Edwards. It was called the "Dr. Harry Edwards Lectures on Sport and Society." However, in 2016, Dr. Edwards decided to end his connection with the lecture series. He did this because of a new university policy that he strongly disagreed with.
Dr. Edwards has also appeared in documentaries and films. He was a commentator in the 2016 documentary series O.J.: Made in America. He also had a small role as himself in the 2019 movie High Flying Bird. He appeared in The Stand: How One Gesture Shook the World, which was about the 1968 Olympic protest by Carlos and Smith.
