Example Essays Home

FAQ

Acceptable Use Policy

Tech Support

LOG IN!

Click HERE for Instant Access

This is a free preview of the paper.

Join Now
Log In

Jack Johnson, Boxer

Arthur John (Jack) Johnson (1878 -1946) was the first black, and the first Texan, to win the heavyweight boxing championship of the world. His record is 113 fights with 79 victories and only eight losses, 12 draws and 14 no-decisions. Johnson’s athletic success created racial tensions in the early 20th century, when many parts of the United States had laws that upheld racial segregation (the separation of people on the basis of their race) Born in Galveston on March 31, 1878, he was the second of six children of Henry and Tiny Johnson. Henry was a former slave and his family was poor. After leaving school in the fifth grade, Johnson worked odd jobs around South Texas. Johnson became interested in boxing while working as a janitor at a gymnasium. He started boxing as a sparring partner and fought in the "battles royal," matches in which young blacks entertained white spectators who threw money to the winner. He quickly established himself as a leading black boxer in Galveston. Johnson turned professional in 1897. Over the next few years Johnson gained a reputation as a quick and powerful fighter.

Some topics in this essay:
Hall Fame, Jack Johnson, Lenox Avenue, Galveston Johnson, Las Vegas, I'm Negro, Burns Australia, Texas Johnson, Mann Act's, Cameron Undefeatable, white women, racial tensions, stopped police, galveston johnson, fight johnson, hall fame, boxing hall fame, created racial tensions, boxing hall, created racial,