Running to Harvard: The Untold, True Story of the 1928 Olympics

Eight years before Jesse Owens there was a Phi Beta Kappa scholar-athlete, Kelley Dolphus Stroud, who was born in Indian Territory about two months before Oklahoma was granted statehood. He was raised in Colorado by his mother Lulu of the Creek Nation and father K.D., who was born and lived until 19 years old on a Texas slave plantation.

I am Frank Shines, the grandnephew of Dolphus Stroud, a man whose life continues to inspire me and epitomizes a journey of unyielding courage and collective aspiration. My project, "Running to Harvard," isn't just a recounting of his extraordinary 2,000-mile trek to Harvard, but a call for unity and healing in a nation grappling with deep-seated polarization and divisive tensions. As the executive producer, I am committed to using this narrative to foster a sense of togetherness and understanding across our diverse communities.

Imagine the landscape of America in 1928, a time marked by stark racial divides. Dolphus Stroud, an African-American scholar-athlete from Colorado, faced an immense hurdle. His athletic excellence, highlighted by his victory in the Pikes Peak Marathon, and his decisive win at the Rocky Mountain Region Olympic tryouts at Denver Stadium, was overshadowed by racial bias, denying him the opportunity to attend travel by train with the other White athletes to the Olympic trials in Boston. Yet, Dolphus’s spirit was indomitable.

His ensuing journey, a formidable 2,000-mile voyage across America on foot, becomes a metaphor for our collective journey towards unity. Dolphus’s path, woven through walking, running, and hitchhiking, symbolizes a larger narrative of bridging divides, overcoming barriers, and connecting diverse American experiences. People of all colors and genders helped Dolphus along the way.

This voyage from Colorado to Cambridge transcends a mere physical journey; it is a story of communal resilience and shared dreams. Dolphus’s achievement in reaching Harvard Stadium is a potent symbol of overcoming adversity through collective support and shared humanity.

"Running to Harvard" transcends the conventional scope of a documentary; it emerges as an instrument for reconciliation and solidarity, framed within the contours of a timeless American narrative. In an era rife with violent extremism and ruinous empathy, this story serves as a reminder of our common goals and shared values. Dolphus’s legacy is a call to action, inspiring us to look beyond our differences and work towards a harmonious and understanding society.

Your involvement in this endeavor is pivotal. Whether it be through financial support, sponsorships, or sharing this story, you are contributing to a greater cause – mending the fabric of our nation. Your support will ensure that this story not only reaches a wide audience but also acts as a catalyst for change, encouraging dialogue, empathy, and unity.

"Running to Harvard" symbolizes more than Dolphus Stroud’s personal triumph. It represents our collective journey towards overcoming obstacles, celebrating diversity, and nurturing a spirit of togetherness. It is a story that holds the potential to heal, unite, and inspire. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey towards national healing and unity.

You can reach me via LinkedIn or at [email protected].