Who was the first African American to represent the United States in the Olympic Games?

• A. William DeHart Hubbard
• B. Michael Jordan
• C. Ed "Too Tall" Jones
• D. Shaquille O'Neal

Answer: (A)

William DeHart Hubbard was the first African American to represent the United States in the Olympic Games, specifically at the 1904 Summer Olympics held in St. Louis, Missouri. He competed in long jump and became a significant figure in sports history by not only participating as an African American but also by winning a gold medal in that event. This landmark achievement occurred during a time when African Americans faced considerable racial discrimination and barriers to participation in various aspects of public life, including sports. Hubbard's performance in the Olympics helped to pave the way for future generations of African American athletes, breaking barriers and setting a precedent for representation in competitive sports at the highest levels.

The other individuals listed, while highly accomplished athletes in their respective sports, competed in much later Olympic Games and are not associated with the historical milestone of being the first African American Olympian.