Jesse Owens: A Legend on the Track and in Freemasonry
Written by Rough Ashlar with research assistance from ChatGPT
Jesse Owens is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, having won four gold medals in track and field at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. His record-breaking performances on the track not only shattered racial barriers but also left a lasting impact on the sport. However, Owens was not just a sports icon; he was also a Freemason, a member of one of the world's oldest and largest fraternal organizations.
In this article, we will explore Owens' life and achievements, as well as his involvement in Freemasonry and the role it played in his personal and professional life.
Early Life and Athletic Career
Jesse Owens was born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama. His parents, Henry and Emma Owens, were sharecroppers, and Jesse was the youngest of their ten children. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in search of better opportunities.
Owens showed a natural talent for athletics from a young age. He attended Cleveland East Technical High School, where he set records in the 100-yard dash, the 220-yard dash, and the long jump. In 1933, he enrolled at Ohio State University, where he continued to excel in track and field.
At the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Owens made history by winning four gold medals in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash, the long jump, and the 4x100-meter relay. His victories were a blow to Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy, as Owens, an African American, proved that black athletes were just as capable as their white counterparts.
Owens' achievements at the Olympics earned him international acclaim and made him a hero to many. However, his success did not come without its challenges. Despite his Olympic victories, Owens still faced discrimination and racism in his home country. He struggled to find work after his athletic career ended and faced financial difficulties throughout his life.
Freemasonry and Owens' Involvement
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Owens was also a Freemason. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, who built the cathedrals and castles of medieval Europe. Today, Freemasonry is a global organization that is dedicated to promoting moral and spiritual values, charity, and brotherhood among its members.
Owens was initiated into the Mount Zion Lodge No. 88 in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1974. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. Owens' involvement in Freemasonry was not widely known during his lifetime, and he did not speak publicly about it.
However, Freemasonry played a significant role in Owens' personal and professional life. As a member of the fraternity, Owens had access to a network of brothers who could offer him support and assistance throughout his career. This was particularly important for Owens, as he faced significant obstacles as a black athlete in the 1930s and 1940s.
Freemasonry also provided Owens with a sense of community and camaraderie. The fraternity emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and encourages members to support each other through good times and bad. For Owens, this sense of belonging was especially important, as he faced discrimination and marginalization in both his personal and professional life.
Legacy and Impact
Jesse Owens' legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements. He was a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of black athletes and challenged the prevailing attitudes of his time. His victories at the 1936 Olympics were a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in the face of oppression and discrimination.