THE MORE YOU KNOW

This week let's take a look at a man mentioned in last weeks posts titled "What do an old white guy and a dead black man have in common". JACK JOHNSON, quite possibly the greatest boxer in fighting history, and without question a monumental figure in the black civil rights movement

Did you know?

• Jack Johnson was the first black heavyweight boxing champion
  
• Before him, white boxers never gave black men the chance to fight for a title
• Actually chased the world heavyweight champion during his time (Tommy Burns) around the world to get a title shot
• Was eventually ousted out of boxing and sentenced to imprisonment for having an affair with a white woman (a crime according to the Mann act)
• Paved the way for boxers like Muhammad Ali
• Was opposed by black civil rights leader Booker T. Washington
• Died around the age of 70, after crashing his car as a result of a sharp turn. Story has it he was so mad because the breakfast diner he was at prior would not serve coloured people food.

The more you know..........