1199SEIU Bread & Roses Theater Club with AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN IN CINEMA
Presents
A FREE screening & reception of "THE JESSIE OWENS STORY"
Synopsis
It is hard to imagine a more politically charged atmosphere than the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Originally opposed to the idea of the games,
German Chancellor Adolf Hitler was convinced by his propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels that theywere the perfect opportunity to showcase the superiority of Aryan athletes. Hitler presided over the opening day ceremonies, whipping the crowds into a frenzy of excitement. On August 3, when Jesse Owens stepped into the massive new Olympic Stadium in Berlin, the crowd went silent with anticipation, sitting on the edge of their seats to see the much-talked-about track star from America compete against the Germans. Running on a muddy track, Owens equaled both the Olympic and world records of 10.3 seconds in the 100- meter dash and won his first gold medal. Tradition called for the leader of the host country to congratulate the winner but Hitler refused. “Do you really think,” the German leader said, “I will allow myself to be
Photographed shaking hands with a Negro?”
***Space is limited, must RSVP to Bonita via the form or contact information below.
