Representatives Boggs, Miller applaud committee passage to name a portion of Route 315 the "Jesse Owens Memorial Highway"

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Adam C. Miller (D-Columbus) and Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) today applauded the House Transportation committee passage of legislation that would name a portion of State Route 315 as the “Jesse Owens Memorial Highway.” The Jesse Owens Memorial Highway would run between King Avenue and Broad Street and illustrate the connection between the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on campus and his home on the west side of Columbus, where he lived while attending Ohio State.

“Jesse Owens remains an icon and inspiration to all Ohioans.  He overcame discrimination globally and at home and became perhaps our nation’s greatest Olympic champion,” said Rep. Miller. “Heading north towards the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at Ohio State, the highway will be a testament to a great American who served his city, state, and country - on and off the track.  All Buckeye alumni are incredibly proud of the Jesse Owens legacy.”  

“The Jesse Owens Memorial Highway will serve as a permanent fixture in Columbus to honor and commemorate a man who left such an impactful mark on history,” said Rep. Boggs. “Despite the discrimination that Jesse Owens faced in the United States and abroad, his strength and perseverance continues to inspire people all around the world.” 

Although he was a world-class student athlete and shattered racial myths globally, including winning four Olympic Gold Medals at the 1936 Games in Berlin, he faced racial discrimination at home and was not permitted to live on campus while attending Ohio State because the university did not have housing for African American students.  It will serve as a constant reminder of his achievements, the challenges he faced and serve as an inspiration for future generations.

The legislation now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives.