1993 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: TRACK
Owen Jackson of Flint Central was one of Flint’s finest sprinters. In 1945 in all of Flint Central’s Triangular meets, he finished first in the lO0 yard dash. He was the indoor city 60 yard dash champion (6.6 seconds), and the indoor champion at 6.6 seconds.
The smooth striding sprinter continued to dominate the outdoor season. He set the city record in the 220 yard dash at 22.7 seconds. In the Regional Track Meet, he won the 100 yard dash in 10.1 seconds and the 220 yard dash in 22.3 seconds.
Owen was the only double event winner in the Michigan High School State Meet. He won the 100 yard dash in 10 seconds and the 220 yard dash in 22.3 seconds. He was a consistent second and third place broad jumper of 19 feet 9 1/2 inches. He anchored the 880 relay to many victories.
Owen was Flint Central’s Most Valuable player in Track. In 1946 he was the South Atlantic AAU 100 yard dash champion (10 seconds), and the 220 yard dash champion.
In Kobe, Japan, he was the 100 and 200 yard dash champion. In the All Service Meet in Japan, he was second in the 100 yard dash. Owen was selected to the All Japan track team, and in the Japan Invitational Meet he finished second in the 100 yard dash and was on the winning 400 meter relay team.
Before retiring from Chevrolet Manufacturing in Flint, Owen held many positions in the U. A. W.
