Jack Johnson
On this day of remembrance for Martin Luther King Jr. and the eve of the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, I suggest to those of you who are unfamiliar with the story of the "Galveston Giant" that his life is worth remembering today as well.It was just over 100 years ago on December 26, 1908 when Jack Johnson became the first black heavyweight champion of the world.
If you have Netflix, the Ken Burns biography Unforgivable Blackness is available to watch instantly. It's amazing to consider how much things have changed in a century.
"Johnson in many ways is an embodiment of the African-American struggle to be truly free in this country — economically, socially and politically," said Burns. "He absolutely refused to play by the rules set by the white establishment, or even those of the black community. In that sense, he fought for freedom not just as a black man, but as an individual."
posted by scalpel at 3:37 PM
6 Comments:
Sounds like a great story! He sounds like a courageous, and spirited man. Thank God for courageous people.
I used to love heavyweight boxing when Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, etc. fought. And always got a kick out of Ali and Howard Cosell.
Thanks for the teaching on a great point - I just put it on my Blockbuster queue!
Yes, it is because a person such as he, should be right along up there with Dr. King,, a smart,courageous,fine gentleman who was just being himself at that time.
There is a time for talking, and a time for kicking ass. Hopefully Obama will recognize the difference as well as his predecessor did.
Amen to that Scalpel!
Very moving watching Bush leave. Would love to have been on the plane back to Texas to hear the conversations.
Amazing day! The peaceful transition of power -we have a new president, 2 million in the Washington mall.
An historical day indeed!
Too bad about Kennedy but at least he was able to attend.
I voted McCain but am optimistic about President Obama.
I would love to know what he and the 1st lady are really thinking.
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