On September 12, Mary Emma Owens gives birth to James Cleveland (J.C.) Owens in Oakville, Alabama.
The Owens family moves to Cleveland, Ohio. James Cleveland Owens enrolls in Bolton Elementary School where he becomes known as "Jesse" (from "J.C.") Owens.
Owens sets his first records in the high jump and long jump at Fairmount Junior High School under coach and life-long mentor, Charles Riley.
Owens enrolls into Cleveland's East Technical School. Riley follows as a volunteer assistant coach.
Owens and Minnie Ruth Solomon meet.
Owens competes in the Midwestern preliminary trials at Northwestern University. He loses all three events in which he competes.
Owens and Minnie Ruth Solomon marry.
Minnie Ruth gives birth to their first child, a daughter named Gloria.
Owens is elected president of his senior class and captain of the track team.
Owens finishes first in 75 of the 79 competitions he enters. He breaks the long-jump record at the state interscholastic finals.
