President Donald Trump once pardoned black fighter Jack Johnson for being jailed after transporting white woman
Jack Johnson was pardoned by former US President Donald Trump after almost 100 years.
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Donald Trump (image credit- Marca)
For over a century, Jack Johnson‘s status as the first African-American heavyweight champion of the world had been tainted. His legacy was tainted by a criminal conviction that was based on racism. Subsequently, the first black heavyweight champion of the world was posthumously pardoned by President Donald Trump. This was done after years of bipartisan pushback from Congress and family members. In addition, a personal letter from actor Sylvester Stallone to the president also contributed to this.
Johnson fought against white adversaries, both in and out of the ring. Subsequently, this resulted in the movie ‘The Big White Hope’, and he was hailed as a ‘breakthrough champion’. However, Johnson was haunted by a criminal conviction dating back to 1913 that most people would find offensive today. Hence, in 2018, Trump signed a pardon for Johnson at his office along with Lennox Lewis, Deontay Wilder, Stallone, and a family member of Johnson.
Trump spoke about Johnson, his legacy, and the trials and tribulations he faced throughout his life. Furthermore, he mentioned that this was long overdue and should have been done long ago. Trump spoke about Johnson’s historical legacy in boxing, as he was the first African American world champion.
Lennox and Wilder also spoke a few words and mentioned how Johnson was a role model for Muhammad Ali. In addition, Johnson’s family members stated that they had to live in shame because Johnson’s name was dragged through the mud. Regardless, a big mistake has been rectified after more than a century.
Jack Johnson’s criminal record
Johnson faced considerable racism and backlash during his career. He faced stern opposition both inside and outside the boxing ring. This was due to the prevailing racial attitudes of the time. His success and relationships with white women, in particular, stirred controversy, and he faced legal troubles as a result.
In 1912, Johnson was arrested and convicted under the Mann Act for “transporting a white woman across state lines for immoral purposes.” Furthermore, the woman would later become his wife, and Johnson’s conviction was seen by many as racially motivated. Johnson continued to face challenges and controversies throughout his life.
However, he left a lasting legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of boxing and as a symbol of resistance against racial injustice. Hence, the conviction haunted Johnson’s legacy long after he died in 1946.
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Abhijay Roy
(551 Articles Published)