Throughline On the Shoulders of Giants
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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.
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Jack Johnson's Pardon
- Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight champion, was pardoned by President Trump in 2018.
- This pardon addressed a racially motivated conviction from 1913 under the Mann Act.
Galveston's Influence
- Jack Johnson's upbringing in Galveston, a port city, exposed him to diverse cultures.
- This fostered a global perspective and fearlessness, shaping his future success.
Johnson's Taunts
- Jack Johnson challenged the status quo by showing up at white boxers' championship fights.
- He taunted them publicly, demanding a shot at the title despite a gentleman's agreement barring black fighters.