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The Leader Newspaper
Andrew Atkinson reports on the remarkable story of jockey, boxer, soldier, pilot, spy, club-owner and musician, Eugene Bullard – known as ‘The Black Sparrow’.
EUGENE Bullard died of cancer at the age of 66. All but forgotten in the 21st century. Bravest of men, nicknamed ‘The Black Sparrow’.
Born in Georgia, his father was a former slave from Haiti, his mother full-blooded Creek. He ran away as a child, determined to fulfil his destiny in France.
He lived with a group of English Romani, learning the art of horsemanship – and working as a jockey.
His travels lead him to Norfolk, where he stowed away on a ship, bound for Scotland. In Glasgow he worked as a lookout for gambling operators, saving money, until he earned enough to travel to England.