The year was 1936. A behemoth of a sports stadium is completed. Like an earth-anchored death star, this gargantuan compound would sweep the galaxy clean of any who dared resist its omnipotence. Larger than the University of Michigan Big House in Ann Arbor. A proud national leader ordered its construction, aided by media groups, filmmakers and other ambitious few. The vision was to broadcast the Olympic Games to world. A neighboring village would house world athletes in the most exquisite, state of the art facilities. Amazed by the luxury, the occupants would refer to this place as a paradise.

Jesse Owens was the grandson of a slave. This African American Big Ten champion was still aware of his context—he expected to be placed in a black only facility. To his amazement and refreshment, the United States Olympic team would be treated as equals in this regard, and Jesse was given the same privileges in this paradise.