The Cleveland metropolitan school district (CMSD) has made the decision to change the name of James Ford Rhodes High School (JFRHS) due to his sympathetic stance towards slaveholders. That decision has already been made and will not be reversed. Given this fact, we want the community to be able to have a voice for what the new name should be, rather than just allowing CMSD to choose whatever they wish. After reaching out to many residents and alumni, the overwhelming response has been that the new name should be: Jesse Owens High School.

As many of you know, Jesse Owens attended Cleveland public schools and spent time training for track at JFRHS. He was a man of high integrity and moral values. He, as a black man and USA Olympic legend, went on to win four Olympic gold medals in front of Adolf Hitler (one of the biggest racists of all time) in Berlin, Germany. The famous movie that details his life, “RACE” is the most inspirational movie based on a native Clevelander. When he won the gold in Berlin, he was given four special oak tree saplings that he planted in different areas. The only surviving tree currently stands on the grounds of JFRHS! (please follow this link to read about it): 

Jesse Owens Legacy and Hitler's Oak Trees

Most alumni know who coach Tyrone Owens is. He recently retired after teaching history for over 30 years at JFRHS. He is in fact third cousins with Jesse Owens himself, as the NPR article above points out. The amazing thing is that coach Tyrone Owens coached the track team during his time at JFRHS, and has produced elite talent on the very track that Jesse Owens ran on and that sits within feet of the Olympic Tree.

If we are removing the name JFR because of racist ties, it’s a no-brainer that Jesse Owens (who is one of the greatest examples of all time of anti-racism) should be the new namesake of the high school. He checks all the boxes for the criteria requirements that CMSD listed and there’s no other name possible that would fit so well and inspire current students in a way the old name never could. It is a name that anyone of any background or political stance can agree on. Imagine being a student (or alumni) and knowing the rich history of the school you attend(ed) and seeing a display everyday in the main hallway that details Jesse Owens’ accomplishments. The tree, currently old and forgotten, is currently being nursed back to health and has even been cloned multiple times for various projects throughout Cleveland (ex. along the renovated MLK corridor). 

The opportunity we have in Jesse Owens’ namesake to create a new rich history, full of hope, accomplishment, and diversity is undeniable. Since the name is being changed anyhow,  the only right option is to change it to Jesse Owens High School!

P.S. And of course everyone agrees that the mascot should NEVER change. Rams for life!!

Please let CMDS know you support Jesse Owens High School as the new name for JFRHS. Thank you!