In 1908, a young African American girl by the name Marie C. Bolden made history by winning the first American spelling competition. It was a momentous achievement that should have solidified Bolden’s place in the annals of American academic history. However, as her family recently revealed, the medal she received for her accomplishment has been missing for years.
Bolden’s story is both inspiring and tragic, representing a lasting testament to the perseverance of African Americans in the face of intense racial discrimination. In a time when Jim Crow policies were in effect throughout much of the United States, Bolden’s victory was not only a personal triumph but a collective one, serving as a reminder of the potential of black students who were hardly given a chance to succeed.
Yet, despite the significance of her triumph, Bolden’s medal has gone missing, leaving her family searching for this valuable reminder of the groundbreaking achievement of their ancestor. The disappearance of this award represents a disheartening loss for the Bolden family as well as a larger symbol of the ongoing erasure of the contributions of black Americans to the history of the United States.
Perhaps the loss of this historic medal also provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which we tell our national stories. It is essential that we bring to light the stories of underrepresented communities and celebrate the significant accomplishments that they have made to our shared history. The Bolden family’s search for her medal represents an opportunity for all of us to remember the triumphs and struggles of those whose stories have been forgotten or silenced.
Marie C. Bolden’s victory in the 1908 spelling competition should be a source of pride for all Americans, a reminder of the power of determination, intellect, and resilience in the face of adversity. Let us hope that her missing medal is found and returned to her family as a symbol of that unforgettable triumph.
