Many honors of the elite track star were too large to fit in his home; in 1936, the Olympic gold medalist became the first Black American to receive an NYC ticker tape parade. In his hometown of Oakville, Alabama, there is now a statue, museum, and replica of his house honoring the athlete who broke the color barrier. There is also a long jump pit where visitors can try to match Owens’s gold-medal-winning jump distance. In this picture from March 1980, the Olympian is seen relaxing at his Phoenix home with his winnings.
Jackie Robinson
The baseball legend’s Colonial house in Stamford, Connecticut, housed his young family along with a collection of pennants and plaques from his time in the league. His trophy room in his Cascade Road home showcased Robinson’s achievements along wood paneled walls. Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball, is seen here with his son Jackie Jr. in 1957, the year he retired. Despite retiring, he continued to advocate for Civil Rights, stating “The game of baseball is great, but the greatest thing is what you do after your career is over,” to fellow baseball player Hank Aaron.
Gale Sayers
