Pardon sought for first back boxing champ

[sasquatch]

<snip>
By DEVLIN BARRETT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINTON (AP)-Congress is urging a presidential pardon for Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion who was convicted in 1913 in a case based on his consensual relationship with a white women.
<snip>

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpNWZic251BF9TAzI1NjY0ODI1BHNlYwN0aA--?slug=ap-jackjohnson-pardon&prov=ap&type=lgns

For those of you who don't know Jack Johnson was probably the greatest boxer ever because of all the things he went through.

[hippiepunk]

1. Interstate transportation

or a woman? :wtf: what kind of crime is that

[seriousstan]

3. Hammer v. Dagenhart

but it is still an issue in the interstate transportation of minors. It pops up in several offences......rape, slavery and abortions.

[lenidog]

2. They made a movie about that years ago

with James Earl Jones playing Jack Johnson

[southlandshari]

4. "Unforgivable Blackness...

The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson" is an excellent PBS documentary on the witch hunt Jackson endured because he had the audacity to a) win boxing matches against white opponents and b) become involved with white women. The backlash on Johnson was stunning and savage.

It just aired a month or two ago where I live. Incredible story, disgraceful chapter in American history. Link with more info:

http://www.pbs.org/unforgivableblackness/

[sasquatch]

6. That was a excellent documentary

It was on the level of F9/11 and Bowling for Columbine IMHO.

[southlandshari]

7. I agree

Johnson's story is a very important piece of American history that is known by far too few these days.

Thanks for posting the link in the original post!

[w4rma]

5. I never knew about this. That guy is a pioneer and a hero. (nt)

[sasquatch]

8. His victories created race riots all over the country

His films of his fights were banned in this country because they feared it would inspire more lynchings of blacks.

[southlandshari]

9. kick

for the morning crowd

[sasquatch]

10. Thanks for the kick

[southlandshari]

13. You are most welcome!

I wish more people were interested in stories like this, which to me are incredibly relevant even today.

Oops, guess this kicks it again!

:applause:

[NNN0LHI]

11. My favorite quote by Mr. Jonson

When asked why black men were so attractive to white women, Johnson supposedly said, "We eat cold eels and think distant thoughts."

[Zorra]

12. I'm surprised that the fundies are not protesting this pardon yet.

Or are they?