Born: September 13, 1913, Oakville, AL

Education: East Technical High School, Cleveland, OH, graduated 1933; Ohio State University, 1933–36

Died: March 30, 1980, Tucson, AZ

Owens won four gold medals at the Berlin, Germany Olympics (1936). He set an Olympic record, challenged white racism, and was acclaimed internationally.

Jim Crow reigned at home, yet he helped undermine its reign with a strong sense of dignity. “I wasn't invited up to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the president, either,” Owens said. Unable to secure decent employment, the track hero raced in vaudeville (against horses, motorcycles, or train engines) for income. He also earned modest honoraria from his occasional speeches. Eventually, he began a public relations firm, barely subsisting, and became an overseas sports consultant. Owens was a moderate on civil rights. Still, when he publicly criticized the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, some black activists called him an Uncle Tom.

Even so, most people respected him. “Despite the many honors, his greatest satisfaction came from his work with you,” Owens's wife declared in eulogizing him. His work continues in the Jesse Owens Foundation, which awards scholarships, and in the annual Atlantic Richfield Jesse Owens Games for youth ages 8–15. Annually, the International Amateur Athletic Association selects the best amateur athlete for the Jesse Owens International Trophy Award.