This article recounts the life and achievements of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion. It details his journey from humble beginnings in Galveston, Texas, to his historic victory over Tommy Burns in 1908. It also explores the intense racial animosity he faced, culminating in his unjust imprisonment for violating the Mann Act. The article concludes by highlighting the posthumous pardon he received in 2018.
On this day in 1908 by Jerry Mitchell, Mississippi Today December 26, 2024 Dec. 26, 1908 Jack Johnson Pro boxing pioneer Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns, becoming the first Black heavyweight boxing champion. Johnson grew up in Galveston, Texas, where “white boys were my friends and pals. … No one ever taught me that white men were superior to me.” After quitting school, he worked at the local docks and then at a race track in Dallas, where he first discovered boxing.
To honor its native son, Galveston has built Jack Johnson Park, which includes an imposing statue of Johnson, throwing a left hook. “With enemies all around him — white and even Black — who were terrified his boldness would cause them to become a target, Jack Johnson’s stand certainly created a wall of positive change,” the sculptor told The New York Times. “Not many people could dare to follow that act.
Jack Johnson Boxing Heavyweight Champion Racism History
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jack Black's Favorite Movie Is A 1970s Dark Comedy That Has Certainly Influenced His Most Famous RolesJack Black in Jumanji next to Jack Black in Dear Santa
Read more »
The Shining's Biggest Myth Debunked By Expert 44 Years Later: "I Have All The Receipts"Jack Nicholson looking devious as Jack Torrance in The Shining
Read more »
John Krasinski’s Jack Ryan Movie Filming Start Window Reportedly RevealedJohn Krasinski as Jack Ryan in Tom Clancy&39;s Jack Ryan season 3
Read more »
Jack Nicholson's Iconic Role as Jack Torrance in The ShiningThis article explores Jack Nicholson's legendary performance as Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's horror classic, The Shining. It discusses the impact of the role, Stephen King's contrasting opinion of the film and Nicholson's portrayal, and the enduring legacy of the character.
Read more »
Farrelly Brothers Bring Holiday Havoc with 'Dear Santa' Starring Jack BlackThe Farrelly brothers have returned with a new Christmas comedy, 'Dear Santa,' starring Jack Black. The film, now streaming on Paramount+, features Black as a devilish version of Santa after a young boy's crucial spelling error turns his Christmas wish list into a chaotic ordeal.
Read more »
Jack Black’s New Comedy Movie Returns Him To An Unexpected Genre 18 Years After His $206M Kate Winslet Rom-ComJack Black from The Holiday in front of a film strip
Read more »