The story of Jesse Owens is both difficult and easy to sum up. His greatest moment was surely in 1936 when the Olympic Games were held in Berlin under the watchful eye of Adolf Hitler.
Hitler’s vision of the perfect racial group was that of pure Aryan stock. They were perceived to be the smartest, fastest, and superior race according to any and all criteria. Hitler’s goal was to prove that to the world and was certain the Olympic Games would cement his vision, that his athletes would show the world their superiority.
When Jesse Owens, poor black man from rural Alabama blew by the competition to win gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 400 meter relays he humbled Hitler’s vision and the tyrant himself. Owens’ actions made an eloquent statement about hard work, effort, and ability independent of racial heritage.
The Jesse Owens Museum in Oakville, Alabama focuses on Owens’ beginnings in a tiny sharecropper’s cabin and his amazing feats of physical prowess. The museum includes a replica of the tiny cabin, theater, timeline of Owens life, a wonderful statue of Owens surrounded by the Olympic rings, picnic area, long jump pit and sports fields.
Learn more about Jesse Owens at the Jesse Owens Museum
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