What did Jesse Owens do for a living? This question often brings to mind the iconic image of the African American athlete triumphing over racial prejudice and setting world records at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. However, Jesse Owens’ life was much more than just his athletic achievements. This article delves into the various aspects of his career, from his early days as a track and field athlete to his later endeavors in business and activism.
Jesse Owens was born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama. He grew up in a racially segregated society, where opportunities for African Americans were limited. Despite these challenges, Owens showed an exceptional talent for sports from a young age. He attended Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College (now Tennessee State University), where he honed his skills in track and field.
After college, Jesse Owens’ athletic prowess earned him a spot on the United States Olympic team. In 1936, he traveled to Berlin to compete in the Summer Olympics, which were overshadowed by the rise of Nazi Germany and its anti-Semitic policies. Despite the tense political climate, Owens’ performances were nothing short of spectacular. He won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and the 4×100-meter relay, making him the most decorated athlete of the Games.
Jesse Owens’ success on the track was not just a testament to his athletic abilities but also a powerful statement against racial discrimination. His victories at the Berlin Olympics were a significant blow to the Nazi ideology of Aryan racial superiority. However, despite his achievements, Owens faced discrimination in the United States as well. He was often denied the chance to compete in top-level competitions and faced segregation in many aspects of his life.
After the Olympics, Jesse Owens tried to capitalize on his fame by pursuing a career in sports. He played professional football for the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions, but he faced numerous obstacles, including racial prejudice and poor contract terms. Owens’ experiences in professional sports highlighted the need for change in the sports industry, and he became an advocate for civil rights and equality.
In the late 1940s, Owens shifted his focus from sports to business. He invested in several ventures, including a car dealership and a gas station. Although he faced financial difficulties and was forced to declare bankruptcy, his entrepreneurial spirit never waned. Owens continued to work on various projects, including a hotel and a golf course, and he even tried his hand at politics, running for the United States Senate in 1954.
Throughout his life, Jesse Owens remained an influential figure in the fight for civil rights. He used his platform to speak out against racial discrimination and to advocate for equality. In 1960, he was appointed the United States ambassador to India, where he served until 1963. Owens’ legacy extends beyond his athletic and business endeavors; he remains an inspiration to many, particularly for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
In conclusion, Jesse Owens’ career was diverse and multifaceted. While he will always be remembered for his extraordinary athletic achievements, his contributions to civil rights, business, and activism have left an indelible mark on history. What did Jesse Owens do for a living? He was an athlete, an entrepreneur, an activist, and a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
