Black Deaf History: Eugene “Silent” Hairston
Tiffany Freeman: Here’s some Black Excellence! Eugene “Silent” Hairston was the first Black Deaf American boxer.
[Image of Hairston in his boxing gloves and trunks. Credit: BoxRec]
He was born in Harlem, New York in 1929. He attended the P.S. 47 school in New York City but only stayed there until he was 15 years old. He had to leave to support his family. He turned into a pro boxer in 1947 and fought until 1953. When he was 22 years old, he retired from boxing due to injuries. He then went to work with the UPS.
[Portrait image of Hairston in a suit. Credit: WorthPoint]
The nickname “Silent Hairston” was given by other people, but he proudly claimed it because he said it was part of his identity.
[Image of Hairston boxing in a ring. Credit: JoSportsInc]
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Today, at boxing arenas, we see flashing lights to signal the end of a round. Cool! We have to thank Eugene for that!