The Negro In Sports (1950) | Jesse Owens

Summary

This mid-century documentary highlights the achievements of Black athletes across a wide range of American sports, guided by host Claude Barnett and guest Jesse Owens. Through archival footage, it celebrates historic figures such as Owens, Harrison Dillard, Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, and the Harlem Globetrotters, as well as rising stars in track, baseball, football, and more. Blending athletic triumphs with themes of perseverance, character, and national unity, the film showcases how Black sportsmen and women broke barriers, inspired audiences worldwide, and contributed powerfully to American culture—even as the production is framed within its era’s commercial sponsorship and social context.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film is produced by Liga de Meyer's Tobacco Company, makers of Chesterfield cigarettes, and showcases the achievements of Black athletes in various sports.
• 😀 Jesse Owens is highlighted as the greatest track and field athlete of his time, holding five world records at once and winning four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
• 😀 The film emphasizes the impact of Jesse Owens' triumphs in the 1936 Olympics, especially his victory in front of Nazi propaganda, which was a source of racial tension.
• 😀 Owens later returned to Berlin in 1951 and performed in a basketball game, showing how the German public's attitude towards him had shifted.
• 😀 The film highlights many other notable Black athletes, including Mal Whitfield, Harrison Dillard, and Mary McNabb, who made significant contributions to track and field.
• 😀 Baseball, as a major American sport, is covered, with Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking entry into Major League Baseball in 1947, followed by other Black athletes like Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe.
• 😀 The Harlem Globetrotters, a basketball team known for their entertaining and skilled performances, are featured as a cultural and sports phenomenon.
• 😀 Other sports like figure skating, tennis, boxing, and football are also mentioned, showcasing a variety of disciplines where Black athletes have excelled.
• 😀 The importance of sportsmanship, character, and teamwork is stressed throughout, with athletes such as Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Duke Slater exemplifying these values.
• 😀 The film ends with a lighthearted endorsement of Chesterfield cigarettes, suggesting that both champions and everyday people enjoy the brand.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the film discussed in the transcript?

The main topic of the film is 'The Negro in Sports,' focusing on the achievements of Black athletes and their contributions to various sports.

Who were the members of the national board of selection for the film's subject matter?

The board included Dr. Frederick Patterson (President of Tuskegee Institute), Reverend Marshall Shepard (Recorder of Deeds, Philadelphia), William J. Trent Jr. (Executive Director of the United Negro College Fund), Willard S. Townsend (International President of United Transport Service Employees), C.C. Spalding (President of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company), and Claude A. Barnett (Director of the Associated Negro Press).

What was Jesse Owens' most notable athletic achievement, as mentioned in the film?

Jesse Owens' most notable achievement was winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, a feat that solidified his place in history.

How did Jesse Owens' experience in 1951 in Berlin contrast with his 1936 Olympic experience?

In 1951, when Jesse Owens returned to Berlin, he was warmly welcomed by the German people, with 75,000 spectators attending a basketball game he participated in, which contrasted sharply with the Nazi hostility he faced in 1936.

What was significant about the 1936 Olympics in terms of track and field achievements?

The 1936 Olympics were notable for showcasing Black athletes, with Jesse Owens winning four gold medals, Ralph Metcalf in the relay, and other standout performances by athletes like Harrison Dillard and Mal Whitfield.

Who was Mary McNabb, and what did she achieve in sports?

Mary McNabb was a 17-year-old freshman from Tuskegee Institute who held the world record for the 60-yard dash, under the coaching of Peters.

How did Jackie Robinson influence Major League Baseball?

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in the league and paving the way for other Black athletes in the sport.

What are some examples of other sports where Black athletes have excelled, according to the transcript?

The transcript highlights Black athletes' achievements in various sports, including baseball (e.g., Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella), boxing (e.g., Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson), football (e.g., Buddy Young), and track and field (e.g., Jesse Owens, Harrison Dillard).

What role did the Harlem Globetrotters play in basketball, as mentioned in the film?

The Harlem Globetrotters, composed of talented Black players like Marquis Haynes and Goose Tatum, became famous for their unique brand of basketball, blending skill with entertainment. They toured the world and entertained millions with their innovative ball-handling tricks.

How does the transcript emphasize the broader significance of sports beyond entertainment?

The transcript underscores that sports are about more than just fun and entertainment; they build sportsmanship, character, and unity. It emphasizes the contribution of Black athletes, like Jesse Owens, to shaping not only sports but also societal values and cohesion.