Jack Johnson

John Arthur Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), nicknamed the "Galveston Giant", was an American boxer who, at the height of the Jim Crow era, became the first black world heavyweight boxing champion (1908–1915). His 1910 fight against James J. Jeffries was dubbed the "fight of the century". Johnson defeated Jeffries, who was white, triggering dozens of race riots across the U.S. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential boxers in history. Transcending boxing, he became part of the culture and history of racism in the United States.

Jack Johnson and his wife Etta, full-length portrait, standing, wearing winter coats

Elmer Chickering photographer. Published January 27, 1910.

In October 1909, while attending the Vanderbilt Cup car race on Long Island, Johnson had a chance meeting with a 28-year-old Brooklyn society woman named Etta Duryea. She was glamorous and well-educated, and played the piano and sang, but was prone to depression.

Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

The Fight of the Century or Johnson-Jeffries Prize Fight

On July 4, 1910, Jack Johnson becomes the first African American Heavyweight Champion of the World. ck Johnson wins the "Battle of the Century" against James Jeffries on July 4, 1910 in Reno, Nevada. The fight between Johnson and Jeffries sparked nation-wide response, including both celebrations and riots. It was highly significant in the history of race relations in the U.S., and led to the Johnson–Jeffries riots in which more than 20 people died. Johnson was the first African American Heavyweight Champion of the World, and held the title until 1915.