“An individual action, multiplied by millions, creates global change” - Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson was born as John Johnson on March 31st 1878 in Galveston, Texas, USA. As a child he helped his family financially. He then moved to Dallas, TX. He then began to start boxing. At 16 he moved to New York. After beating a stronger man in a fight he believed he could become a boxer. In 1898 he made his professional debut. In 1901 Johnson was arrested due to prize fighting being illegal in Texas.
(Johnson (Middle) in 1901)
The sheriff let Johnson and the man who he was fighting with spar in jail for a reduced bail. In 1903 he won the World Colored Heavyweight championship. In 1908 he won the world heavyweight title. After winning the title media attacked Johnson with racist comments and called for a “great White hope” to defeat Johnson and take the title back.
(Johnson in 1908)
In 1910 Johnson fought James Jeffries and Johnson won which caused racial riots in Texas, Colorado, New York, Washington D.C. and 22 other states.
(Johnson (Right) in 1910)
Johnson refused to fight Black boxers due to the fact he felt he could make more money fighting White boxers. In 1913 he finally fought another Black boxer.
(Johnson in 1913)
In 1915 Johnson lost the title to Jess Willard.
(Johnson in 1915)
Johnson fought professionally until 1938. He did his last fight in 1945.
(Johnson in 1945)
On June 10th, 1946 Jack Johnson died in a car crash in Franklinton, North Carolina, USA. He was 68 years old.
(Johnson’s grave)
Today is the 71st anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great athlete today.
Videos of Jack Johnson
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAzuDJQkxis “Jack Johnson KOs Burns This Day In Boxing History - December 26, 1908 -”
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnMJL36_oCs “Jack Johnson vs James J. Jeffries (1910)”
P.S. sorry for the late post
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