“Hitler didn't snub me—it was FDR who snubbed me. The president didn't even send me a telegram.” Said Jesse Cleveland Owens.
By Hyde Flippo: When he was competing, Ohio State track star James (“J.C.” Jesse) Cleveland Owens (1913-1980)
was as famous and admired as Carl Lewis, Tiger Woods, or Michael Jordan
are today. (1996 Olympic champ Carl Lewis has been called the “second
Jesse Owens.”) Despite Jesse Owens' athletic prowess, he faced racial
discrimination when he returned to the US. But did this discrimination
in his native land extend to his experience in Germany?
The US and the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Jesse Owens
triumphed in Berlin, winning gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter,
and 400-meter relays, as well as in the long jump.