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Black History and Blacks in U.S. History
 Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 5 to 7
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   7.11

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    gravestone, off-campus, racehorse, second-class, tickertape, discrimination, spokesman, origin, hosted, various, recruit, after-school, refused, operator, especially, born
     content words:    Jesse Owens, Cleveland East Technical High School, Ohio State, All American, United States, Maybe Jesse, Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens Foundation, New York City, World War II

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Jesse Owens
By Sharon Fabian 		  
1     Jesse Owens was born in Alabama in 1913. When he was nine years old, he moved with his family to Ohio. Jesse's family was poor, and Jesse worked at part time jobs to help out. He delivered groceries, he picked cotton, he loaded freight cars, and he worked in a shoe repair shop. Jesse also attended school, and there his teachers noticed that he was an especially good runner. The coach at his high school, Cleveland East Technical High School, suggested that he go out for the track team. At first, Jesse refused because he couldn't stay for after-school practices. He had to work after school. Then, Jesse and the coach came up with a plan. Jesse would come to school extra early and practice track before school.
 
2     While Jesse was still in high school, he began to set world records. He was so good that many colleges tried to recruit him.
 
3     Jesse chose Ohio State. There he attended classes and ran track. He also worked at various part time jobs -- in the library, in a restaurant, and in a gas station. One time he worked as a night elevator operator. Jesse also married his wife Ruth while he was in college. Despite his busy schedule, Jesse continued to excel in track. He set more world records. He was named All American. Jesse was becoming a famous runner.

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