Ball game Quote by Eduardo Galeano
““BLACK WINGS At the same Olympics, staged by Hitler to consecrate the superiority of his race, the star that shone brightest was black, a grandson of slaves, born in Alabama. Hitler had no choice but to swallow the bitter pill, four of them actually: the four gold medals that Jesse Owens won in sprinting and long jump. The entire world celebrated those victories of democracy over racism. When the champion returned home, he received no congratulations from the president, nor was he invited to the White House. He returned to the usual: he boarded buses by the back door, ate in restaurants for Negroes, used bathrooms for Negroes, stayed in hotels for Negroes. For years, he earned a living running for money. Before the start of baseball games he would entertain the crowd by racing against horses, dogs, cars, or motorcycles. Later on, when his legs were no longer what they had been, Owens took to the lecture circuit. He did pretty well there, praising the virtues of religion, family, and country.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “Open Veins of Latin America”, 1971 (excerpt)
Jesse Owens’ triumphs exposed racial hypocrisy, yet he faced segregation despite his victories.
In simple terms: Owens won but still faced racism.
Recognize that success doesn’t erase systemic bias.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- sports events
- civil rights activism
- education curricula
- museum exhibits
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does Owens’ experience teach about equality?
- How can societies honor achievements while confronting injustice?
His story is sometimes romanticized, ignoring ongoing struggles.