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On the Shoulders of Giants
Feb 14, 2019
Explore the stories of heavyweight boxer Jack Johnson, sprinter Wilma Rudolph, and basketball player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who used their platform to protest racial injustice. From Johnson's rise to Rudolph's perseverance and Abdul-Rauf's political awakening, these lesser-known stories of black athlete activism shed light on the current debate sparked by Colin Kaepernick.
37:30
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Quick takeaways
- Jack Johnson challenged white superiority in 20th-century boxing, becoming an iconoclastic figure.
- Wilma Rudolph's activism during the civil rights movement highlights the impact of black athlete activists on society.
Deep dives
Jack Johnson: The Revolution in the Boxing Ring
Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight champion, challenged the racist status quo in early 20th-century boxing. Growing up in Texas, Johnson gained a global perspective by interacting with people from different cultures at the port. He sought to defeat the best white fighters and fought tirelessly to get a chance at the heavyweight title. Johnson's victory over Tommy Burns sparked outrage, as seeing a black man challenge white superiority was unacceptable to many. Despite facing immense prejudice and constant threats, Johnson continued to dominate and defeat his opponents. His rebellion against racism, both in and out of the ring, led him to become an iconoclastic figure and an inspiration for future activist athletes.
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