Go, Wilma, Go!: Wilma Rudolph, from Athlete to Activist

Gr 1-3–In this picture book biography, Wilma Rudolph’s enduring and inspiring legacy is explored. Immediately following the 1960 Olympic Games held in Rome, where she took home three gold medals for the United States, Rudolph toured Europe, noticing how “all kinds of people” coexist and engage in daily activities together, from sitting on a beach to riding a bus. This was in stark contrast to her hometown of Clarksville, TN, where Jim Crow laws prevailed. Upon returning home, her town planned a day in honor of her victories. Rudolph agreed to participate on the condition that Black people would be included in every aspect of the day. The day was a success; the town remained segregated. Rudolph’s desire for change and determination to see it happen remained steadfast, through peaceful protests and her participation in the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the text, the authors thoughtfully explore Rudolph’s athletic victories as well as her hardships as a child and in her adult life. Eye-catching mixed-media illustrations are equally thought-provoking, depicting Rudolph’s unwavering perseverance throughout her life. An author’s note provides additional information about Rudolph’s life and the Civil Rights Movement.