Oliver and Fred Watson, Soccer Players

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh, author and owner of the Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts in Richmond, California, shares the remarkable story of brothers Oliver and Fred Watson, two Black pioneers in American soccer at the turn of the twentieth century.

Born in Rhode Island in 1872 and 1875, respectively, Oliver and Fred made their mark on the soccer field as a forward and a defender. Oliver became the earliest documented African American to play in a senior club soccer match in the United States in 1894, while Fred became the first documented African American to appear in a U.S. professional soccer league match in 1901. Together, they also helped their team win a Rhode Island Amateur League championship.

Beyond their athletic achievements, the brothers’ story reveals the importance of community, perseverance, and historical research in recovering Black contributions that have too often been overlooked. From Fred’s injury and the benefit match organized to support him to the racial stereotypes found in some newspaper coverage, their experiences offer a fuller picture of Black life in early American sports.

Join Tamara as she brings Oliver and Fred Watson into the spotlight, reminding us that Black history reaches far beyond the stories we may already know. Their names, their accomplishments, and their place in soccer history deserve to be remembered.

Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep sharing the stories you discover!