Jack Johnson (1878-1946) was the first Black man to become the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. During his time, boxing was one of the most popular sports in America. 

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     Johnson had a larger-than-life personality, and he would often flaunt his riches. He also dated White women. This was acceptable behavior for for White men, but not for Black men during the Jim Crow Era.

 

     In 1910, Johnson defended his heavyweight title against former champion James Jeffries, who was billed as "the Great White Hope." When Johnson won, Black people celebrated in the streets, and White people violently attacked them. 

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     In 1912, Johnson was arrested for traveling with a White woman. He fled to Europe, and remained outside of the U.S. for seven years. Upon his return to the U.S., Johnson was forced to serve one year in prison.

 

     After his release from prison, Johnson was past his prime as a fighter. He was never able to regain the championship.

 

     Johnson was a symbol of the American Dream. He worked hard to achieve greatness. Yet, the racist laws of the Jim Crow era were used to prevent Jack Johnson from reaching his full potential as America's first superstar athlete.  

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Sources

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https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/04/11/300520407/poetic-take-on-black-boxing-lands-punches-with-broad-appeal

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https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/24/sports/jack-johnson-racism.html

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Keywords

Boxing, Jim Crow, Interracial Marriage, Mann Act

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