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Jesse Owens becomes American Hero
Jesse Owens was a track star who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. During that time Hitler was in power and believed that blacks and other races were inferior to whites. Jesse went to Berlin and proved Hitler wrong by winning the gold medal in the long jump,100 meter dash and 200 meter dash. He also was the lead leg of the 4x100 meter relay that took home fourth place. Jesse was at the time named the World’s Fastest Man. -
Jackie Robinson Breaks Barriers
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play major league baseball. Jackie was a star in the Negro Leagues but wasn’t allowed to play in the majors. In 1945 he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and finally got his chance to play. On April 15, 1947 Jackie played his first major league game. At first the crowd hated him but by the end of the season he won everyone over. Jackie Robinson is known for breaking baseball’s color barrier and opening the door for many others. -
Willie Thrower becomes first NFL QB
In 1953 Williw Thrower relieved Chicago Bears quarterback George Blanda during a game against the San Francisco 49’s, making Thrower the first African American to play quarterback in the NFL. Throwers career was short lived. He played another game during that season but was not resigned by the Bears. Thrower went to Canada and finished his career playing semi-professional football. -
Althea Gibson sets standards
Althea Gibson was the first black woman to play at the U.S Nationals in tennis. She was able to advance to the second round of the tournament and proved that blacks belonged on the tennis court. In July of 1957 Gibson became the first African American to win the U.S Nationals and Wimbledon. During her career she won 56 doubles and singles titles. -
Willie O'Ree sets standards
Willie O’Ree was the first African American to play in the National Hocket League for the Boston Bruins. He only played for two season with the Briuns and had to stop because of an eye injury. O’Ree opened the door for other African Americans to skate in the NHL -
Ernie Davis
Ernie Davis was an american football running back and also the first African American man to win the Hesiman Trophey in 1961. He set records at Syracuse University and was drafted to the NFL. Davis was also the frist black athlete to be chosen first overall in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately because of health problems Davis never played in a NFL game. -
Arthur Ashe
Athur Ashe dominated tennis during his time. Aruthur became the first and still only black player to win the mens singles at Wimbledon, the U.S open and the Australian Open starting in 1968. -
Florence Grifffith-Joyner
Florence Grifffith-Joyner, also known as Flo-Jo, was an American track and field athlete. She is considered the "fastest woman of all time". Flo-Jo set the world records in 1988 for both the 100 metres and 200 meters. Flo-Jo's record still have not been broken. -
Gymanstics Gold
Dominique Dawes competed in the 1996 summer olympics in gymnastics. She was a member of the "Magnificent seven" that won the gold medal. Doing so made Dawes the first African American to win a gold medal in gymnastics. -
Tiger woods
In 1997, Tiger Woods became the first African-American golfer to win the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. He also became the first African-American golfer to win the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the British Open. -
Gold in the Winter
Vonetta Flowers was a former track star but became on Olympic bobsledder. She made history at the 2002 Winter Olympics by becoming the first black athlete to win a gold medal at the winter Olympics. Flowers accomplishements will hopefully inspire other blacks to become involved in the winter Olympics.
