'I Am Jesse Owens' Artwork Created By Local Students Is Placed At Detroit Business

DETROIT (WWJ) Students at the Charles Wright Academy of Arts and Science came together in their art class to create a very special mural in honor of Olympic track champion Jesse Owens.

During Black History Month, about 90 students created the mural titled "I Am Jesse Owens" and it was hoisted up for display for the first time Thursday.

The art was created through local nonprofit Art Road, which according to executive director Carol Hofgartner, has its sights set on continuing to grow.

"Our quest is huge," Hofgartner said. "Only 40 percent of Detroit public schools have art in their programming, in their regular, everyday curriculum, so our quest is to capture that 60 percent."

Clement Brown Jr., who owns the Fame Shop where the art banner is displayed, told WWJ's City Beat reporter Vickie Thomas he's proud the display is on his building.

"I think it's great, anytime the children can get together and get creative is a big deal to me and I think creativity is genius," he said.