Jesse Owens’ Place in History

Two of Jesse Owens’ daughters, Gloria Owens Hemphill (left) and Marlene Owens Rankin pose with Race star Stephan James
Two of Jesse Owens’ daughters, Gloria Owens Hemphill (left) and Marlene Owens Rankin pose with Race star Stephan James at the Chicago premiere. (Photo by Meg Faber)

Based on the life story of African American Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens, Race is a film that celebrates determination, courage, and friendship. Race chronicles the challenges and victories faced by Jesse Owens (played by Stephan James) on his path from Ohio State track star to the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

The film not only addresses the racial inequality in 1936 Nazi Germany, but documents bigotry in the U.S. as well. The film also celebrates the relationship between Owens and legendary Ohio State coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), whose support became an integral part of Owens’ journey. The film opened nationwide, February 19.

As the film premiered, we found a deep trove of reporting by and about the famous runner:

Illustration of Jesse Owens

1936: Golden Moment of Triumph

By Jesse Owens
January/February 1976
In 1976, Jesse Owens wrote a series of articles for The Saturday Evening Post on U.S. Olympians, including himself. In “1936: Golden Moment of Triump,” Owens recalls the games in Berlin and the people who inspired him to become a champion. Read more >>

Painting of Jesse Owens at 1936 Olympics

My Boy Jesse

By Larry Snyder
November 7, 1936
From November 7, 1936, the true story of what Jesse Owens went through after the 1936 Olympics, as told by his coach. Read more >>