Honoring Mr. William DeHart Hubbard.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1083
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Sports and Recreation
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-27T08:06:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 1083) aims to honor Mr. William DeHart Hubbard, the first African American to win an individual gold medal in the modern Olympic Games, recognizing his athletic achievements, perseverance against racism, and lifelong contributions to community service and equality for African Americans. It is introduced during Black History Month and coincides with the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Key Provisions
- Background and Early Life: Details Hubbard's birth in 1903 in Cincinnati, Ohio; his education at Walnut Hills High School, where he excelled academically and athletically; and his scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he became the first African American varsity track letterman.
- Athletic Accomplishments: Highlights his multiple championships, including 3 NCAA titles (1923–1925), 8 Amateur Athletic Union titles (1922–1927), and 7 Big Ten Conference titles (1923–1925). He set world records in the long jump (1925–1935) and tied records in dashes; held university and conference records for decades; and qualified for various events despite not specializing in them.
- Olympic Achievements: Describes his participation in the 1924 Paris Olympics as one of four African American athletes; the racial discrimination and segregation he faced, including limited event entries; and his historic gold medal win in the long jump, overcoming injuries and racism.
- Post-Athletic Career and Service: Covers his induction into halls of fame (1957, 1979, 1985); roles in public recreation (1927–1941), as president of the National Bowling Association to promote African American bowlers amid segregation; founding the Cincinnati Tigers baseball team; managing a WWII-era housing project for African Americans; and serving as a race relations adviser for the Federal Housing Authority (1942–1969).
- Legacy and Honors: Notes dedications like the Walnut Hills High School track complex, a University of Michigan scholarship fund, and his advocacy for an "opportunity society" to ensure equal access for all Americans.
- Resolution Clause: Formally states that the House of Representatives honors Hubbard for his accomplishments in athletics and community service.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding congressional resolution with no legal force. It introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition that could inspire education and awareness about Black history, racial barriers in sports, and civil rights, especially during Black History Month and the 2026 Olympics. It may encourage community discussions on equality and perseverance.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores the role of federal agencies like the Federal Housing Authority in historical race relations efforts.
- On International Relations: Indirectly highlights U.S. progress in overcoming racism through Hubbard's Olympic story, potentially fostering positive narratives about American diversity during global events like the Olympics.
- No significant economic or operational effects on agencies or citizens.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Hubbard's Family and Community: Direct honorees, including descendants and Cincinnati residents, who may gain pride and visibility for his legacy.
- African American Community: Beneficiaries of the recognition of historical contributions and barriers overcome, promoting cultural preservation.
- Educational and Sports Institutions: University of Michigan, Walnut Hills High School, NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and halls of fame, which are referenced for their ties to Hubbard's achievements.
- Congress and Policymakers: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as the referring body, and cosponsors (e.g., Rep. Landsman, Ms. Brown), who advance themes of equity.
- Broader Public: Sports enthusiasts, historians, and advocates for racial justice, through increased awareness.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as this is an honorary resolution without enforceable provisions or legal authority.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express recognition under Article I (e.g., resolutions for commendation), emphasizing free speech and assembly in honoring historical figures without infringing on rights.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for Black History Month observances and anti-racism narratives; politically symbolic in highlighting segregation-era struggles, potentially influencing public discourse on equity without partisan mandates. It avoids controversy by focusing on factual biography and inspiration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Honoring Mr. William DeHart Hubbard. — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (6 pages)