Welcome Steemian friends.
I came across a news article today stating Sylvester Stallone has been speaking with the Pres. about a pardon for Jack Johnson, the legendary heavyweight boxing champion of the very early 1900's. Trump has Tweeted it is under consideration!
Interestingly the topic came up under both Presidents "W" Bush and Obama. Nothing happenned and I really don't understand why!
The story is as follows. And, photos below: Wikipedia.
Above is a photo of Johnson winning the title in 1908 against a smaller Tommy Burns in Australia.
Johnson took Lucille Cameron (soon to be his wife) across state lines for the purpose of "immoral acts". He was arrested and went before Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis. An all white jury convicted him before the enactment of the Mann Act! (making such acts illegal). Judge Landis was the same judge that defended baseball discrimination until his death.
Johnson escaped to Canada with Lucille and then fled to Europe. He returned in 1920 and surrenderred and went to prison for 1 year and a day.
Above (wikipedia) Johnson lies on the ring floor in Havanna in 1915. In 26 rounds he gave up to Jess Willard and lost the title. It was a scheduled 45 round fight in the heat of the Cuban Sun. Many thought Johnson threw the fight.
Johnson never fought for the title again. But, he fought for the money. Ken Byrnes, historian, has said Johnson was the most famous Black man in the world in is day.
Johnson's conviction was racially motivated. Should he be pardonned posthumously?
I hope you found this bit of American sports history informative and interesting. Thanks!! UPVOTE and FOLLOW.
The answer for me is YES. Jim Crow is the most despicable chapter of our history, and that includes some less than admirable items. Pardoning Johnson won't right the wrongs of Jim Crow but it might ease some of the pain left over from it.
Johnson was the unquestionable best fighter on the planet. He couldn't fight for the Title because it wouldn't do for a black man to hold it. He was past his prime when he even was allowed to fight for the title in Australia.
Thanks for another great post.
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and thank you for the response. You are so right! BTW see my "Pumpsie Green" post last nt..remember him..1959 the Red Sox were shamed into signing a black player..they were the last by far to bring up black player..the Yankees signed and brought up ellie Howard in '55...see what I wrote that SCasey said re: Howard..amazin' ....and be safe my friend.
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I'm very familiar with Jack Johnson and his entire story. He had to chase the Heavyweight Championship for a long time and had to literally chase and harass Burns into giving him his crack at the Title. He should have been pardoned a long time ago, not sure why it hasn't happened yet to be honest. Really hope that Trump makes it happen, this is something that is multiple decades over-due. Johnson's whole story is really fascinating - great post!
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and your visit and feedback much appreciated...thanks..
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You're welcome! Re-steemed!
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Wow thats quite the story @yankee-statman ! He definitely should be pardoned ! Falling asleep , have a good Monday ! upped and resteemed !👍👍👍
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thanks..and rest well!!!
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Another very interesting post by the Statman! Fantastic!
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why thank you.."tp" much appreciated..
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I hope President Trump will follow through on this full pardon for Jack Johnson. It might be a bit of a PR stunt for him but still the right thing to do! I always remember 'The Donald' back when he was involved with Mike Tyson's career and putting on fights at his casinos, he knows his boxing!
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great reply and thanks...agree long, long overdue..
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thanks for the resteem! appreciated.
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