Jack Arthur Johnson, also known as the Galveston Giant, is one of the most influential boxers in black history
Johnson was a native of Galveston, Texas, born to Henry and Tina Johnson on March 31, 1878. He is the third of nine children. Jack couldn’t fight or defend himself when he was a boy, and his sister, Lucy, would protect him. But his mother, Tina, told him he needed to defend himself always and fight. In other words, Jack’s mother was part of Jack Johnson’s boxing career.
Jack Johnson’s boxing career started as a teenager when he won cash prizes as a fighting partner in the “battle royal” fight, where white spectators watched black men fight and tossed money in early 1897. Within a few months, he earned fame as one of the best fighters among many others. He was a strong, fast, and good defender but only knocked out three times.
In 1897, he became a professional boxer and fought his first professional fight with Jim Rocks. But he was arrested and jailed because boxing was illegal in Texas. After his release from jail, he left Texas for the title “Negro” heavyweight champion. In February 3, 1903, he won his first world colored Heavyweight Title, beating Denver Ed Martin.
Johnson defended the colored Heavyweight Title 17 times, which placed him second only to Wills’ 26 successful defenses. He defeated Sam Langford on points in a 15 rounder. and Sam McVey three times.
Johnson became the first African American to win the world’s heavyweight championship when he defeated Tommy Burns, who was a Canadian boxer, in 1908. Thus, he became an important sportsman after his triumph against Burns and part of African American history.
The possession of muscular strength and the courage to use it in contests
Jack Johnson
with other men for physical supremacy does not necessarily imply a lack of
appreciation for the finer and better things of life.
The reign of Johnson as a heavyweight champion was controversial with the races involved. This was very controversial, and he was even prosecuted as he openly dated and married white women. The “Great White Hope” syndrome was born, accompanied by an extensive hunt for a white boxer who could beat Johnson.
Johnson managed to retain his title throughout his reign, facing different opponents, including James J. Jeffries, who came out of retirement. The case involving Johnson’s victory over Jefferies in 1910 had been historic to race in black history and sporting affairs in America. His boxing career was recognized in the ring and in fighting racism.
Johnson left the country due to his private affairs, including facing jail because he was convicted of the Mann Act violation, i.e., crossing the state boundaries together with a non-black lady. He spent a few years of his life in exile at various European places.
Johnson gave up in 1920 and spent some time in the federal prison. He was released in 1921. Following his release from jail, Johnson entered boxing again, as showed in exhibitions; however, it was already after his blooming years. This was a struggle for him regarding finances, and later, he became an entertainer and actor. He died in a car accident on June 10th in North Carolina.
My name is Jack Johnson I’m heavyweight champion of the world. I’m black they never let me forget it. I’m black all right..I’ll never let them forget it.
Jack Johnson
Johnson’s reputation steadily recovered in the years following his passing. His criminal history was seen more as the result of racially motivated behavior than as evidence of true misconduct by the U.S.
His successes in the ring and rebellious defiance of racial and social norms of his day characterized Jack Johnson’s life and career. His achievements and rebellion are crucial for civil rights and boxing history, as they changed attitudes towards black people, both on sports fields and outside it.
Finally, Johnson wrote two volumes of memoirs: In My Battles (1914) and The Life and Times of Jack Johnson in the Ring in 1927. He remains one of the most important figures in black history.