Mr. Mel Pinder reported to AWER that he was a “Grady Baby,” born on October 31, 1937. His remarkable career includes serving in the military with the 82nd Airborne and the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, and becoming head track coach at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Adelphi University. He retired from the Army in 1976 as a Captain.
He’s most noted for being on the U.S. Olympic Team in the 1964 and 1968 Olympics, becoming an Olympic gold medalist in the 4x100 Meter relay during the 1968 Olympics Games in Mexico City.
He emphasized that it was his father who taught him how to be a success: hard work, being you own man, reading lots, and striving to be your very best.
He shared the pain of being a Black American and fighting for America alongside whites while being forced to use Black-only facilities and trains. He encountered many people with crooked minds and hate in their hearts towards Blacks.
Mel encouraged us all to get involved and to work hard to overcome injustices that are with us constantly … that wrongs will only be overcome when committed people work relentlessly to achieve freedom and justice.
Joining AWER with Mel with Ms. ArLena Robinson, Mel’s publicist. Ms. Robinson explained, after Mel departed for a doctor’s appointment, that it was she and others who encouraged Mel to be more public about his life which as a result has enabled him to inspire countless people through his life stories and present-day work.