His initials were JCO. So when he went to Ohio, his teacher asked hi name and he said "JC". So, with his southern accent, it sounded like Jesse.
Jesse Owens' given name is James Cleveland Owens.
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens
He is called Jesse Owens because his elementary teacher misinterpreted his name when he told her his name was "J.C" (Initials for James Cleveland) for his heavy Alabama accent made it sound like "Jesse". From then on, he was known as Jesse Owens.
James Cleveland Owens
James Cleveland Owens.
James Cleveland Owens.
James Cleveland Owens.
James Cleveland Owens. The Jesse apparently came about as a mishearing of JCJames Cleveland Owens.
it's James Cleveland Owens.
james cleavland owens
James Cleveland Owens