Two young Tswana students were intrigued by a want ad in a Johannesburg, South Africa, newspaper. It was an invitation to compete in “festivities” accompanying the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis.
Jan Mashiani and Len Taunyane touched down in St. Louis. Like other indigenous people, they became exhibits for “Anthropology Days.” The organizers had the people compete in “battles of savages,” to entertain white attendees.
Although Mashiani and Taunyane had not been expected to compete in the actual Olympics, they were chosen for the marathon because they had been runners to the front lines during World War I. Besides, few other runners were interested in competing.
As was customary, the Africans ran barefoot. In the middle of the marathon, a large dog chased one of the men a mile off course. They finished ninth and twelfth in the event. What should have been a historic moment for Africa was just bizarre.
Jan Mashiani and Len Taunyane’s strange experiences remind us that just because we are in integrated spaces does not mean liberation or respect for who we are is present. True freedom goes beyond being included. It dismantles systems that exploit, embarrass, and demean us.