USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -As an African American, Jesse Owens helped to shatter the beliefs of Aryan superiority in the presence of Adolf Hitler. Owens’ gold medals during the 1936 Olympics in Berlin was in itself a symbol of racial equality.

Detailed explanation-2: -With his victories in track and field, Owens had proved the Nazi dictator’s racist theories wrong, and in doing so, had become not only an Olympic gold medal winner but an American hero. Click for Olympic photo gallery.

Detailed explanation-3: -Through his athletic accomplishments, unparalleled character, and humanitarian work, Owens was able to become one of the first African American role models for the nation. Owens became an image of victory against fascism for the American democracy at a time characteristic of segregation and bigotry.

Detailed explanation-4: -Track and Field Against a backdrop of racial discirimination, Jesse Owens shined at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games, winning gold medals in the 100-meter dash, long jump, 200-meter dash and the 4×100-meter relay.

Detailed explanation-5: -After the 1936 Olympics, Jesse accepts a job as playground instructor for underprivileged youth in Cleveland, earning $30 a week. A year later he becomes a bandleader, owner of a basketball team and part owner in a dry cleaning business. Jesse still has school on his mind.