Jesse Owens

PRODUCT SUMMARY

(1913-1980) Chronically ill as a child, Jesse Owens turned to athletics as a way to overcome his health problems. A talented runner, Owens began matching and beating several world records in track and field events in his senior year of college. Though Jim Crow laws segregated him from his white teammates, Owens won four gold medals and broke two world records in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. Perhaps the greatest track and field athlete in history, he was also politically active, serving on the Board of Directors of the Southside Boys Club. Part of the Black Americans of Achievement Video Collection that celebrates the most influential African Americans in history.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"...Editor's Choice...Highly recommended...The second set in the BLACK AMERICANS OF ACHIEVEMENT series...maintains the same high standards set by the opening volumes."- Video Librarian

"A must purchase for school library collections, the series fills a void by providing interesting, informative material on the subject." - School Library Journal

"...this useful collection profiles more prominent African Americans and their contributions. Oral historian John O'Neal's straightforward narrations, thoughtful commentary by scholars, well-chosen stills, and archival footage are well blended, placing biographical details of each subject within the context of the times... More fine fare for both school and public library collections." - Booklist