While looking through the sports section of the NJDNP newspapers, I would often find headlines and reports on the famous boxer, Jack Johnson. Little did I know that he became the first African American boxing champion.
Johnson grew up in Galveston, Texas in the late 1800s. As the son of ex-slaves, he possessed the drive to exceed beyond the hard life of his parents. As a child, he went to work as a laborer to support his family. When he was 16, he traveled to New York and Boston. It was around this time when he entered his first fight and won against a longshoreman. After this victory, he became heavily involved in the boxing arena, setting his sights on the world heavy weight title.
Featured in December 19, 1908 Perth Amboy Evening News .
At the time, in the early 1900s, white boxer, Jim F. Jeffries had the heavy weight title. However, because of Johnson’s race, Jeffries refused to fight him. Johnson received his opportunity to get the title when he fought Tommy Burns, Jeffries’ successor. The fight lasted until the fourteenth round when Johnson was declared the winner.
Featured in July 2, 1910 Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser.
Johnson’s victory against Burns attracted Jeffries’ attention. On July 4, 1910, thousands of fans showed up in Reno, Nevada in what was dubbed “Fight of the Century.” Johnson won victory after 15 rounds, earning himself $117,000. It would be five years before relinquishing the title.
Featured in July 2, 1910 Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser.
Johnson won a total of 73 matches throughout his career, gaining a large name for himself as the “Galveston Giant”. However, he was also the target of white resentment. Nonetheless, he flaunted his wealth and took pride in his success.
In 1912, Johnson was convicted of kidnapping for bringing his white girlfriend across state lines to marry her. He fled to Europe to escape prison only to return to the United States in the 1920s to carry out his sentence. He was granted a posthumous pardon in 2018.
“The search for the ‘white hope’ not having been successful, prejudices were being piled up against me, and certain unfair persons, piqued because I was champion, decided if they could not get me one way they would another.”
-Jack Johnson
(Contributed by Kristi Chanda)
References
“Jack Johnson.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 5 June 2020, www.biography.com/athlete/jack-johnson.
“Unforgivable Blackness . Knockout.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/weta/unforgivableblackness/knockout/.