From a life filled with the realities of economic hardship, inadequate housing, food, clothing, and the weight of his family's struggles, Jesse Owens turned his challenges into success. He was born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, a time when life was full of challenges, from poverty to racial barriers. Owens attended Ohio State University, barely passing with a 1.07 GPA, where he worked numerous jobs to support himself and pursue his passion for track and field. Despite getting pneumonia every winter and lacking access to adequate medical care, Owen's determination on the track never altered (“Jesse Owens”). While Owens didn't excel academically, people didn't mind as long as he continued to run fast (“Jesse Owens”). Although some individuals may think that Jesse …show more content…
These Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in the southern U.S., which provided unfair opportunities to African Americans. Jesse's achievements around the world went against the unfair treatment he received at home, underscoring the injustice of these laws. While at Ohio State, Jesse was put through different treatment than his teammates, with him not being allowed to share the same dorms or dine in the same area as his white teammates (White House History). Although Owens was a highly praised athlete acknowledged for his amazing abilities, he was still subjected to different treatment than other athletes, which was a mark of the Jim Crow era. Jesse Owens became a symbol of hope, demonstrating that success is achievable for anyone, regardless of one's racial background. He was praised by numerous sportswriters, both black and white, for his dignity and positive representation of his race. William J. Baker noted Owens as an inspiration of hope and a symbol of achievement, particularly for African Americans of his time ("The Athlete as Cultural