GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - Galveston is honoring boxing legend Jack Johnson with a historical marker in observance of his first world heavyweight title by an African American fighter.
The Houston Chronicle reports (https://bit.ly/MJXMCR ) the Galveston-born fighter’s family believes the marker unveiled Saturday helps make amends for his 1912 indictment under a federal law historians believe aimed to punish him for marrying outside his race. It made it illegal for a man to take a woman across state lines for immoral purposes.
Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have not responded to congressional resolutions and petitions for a pardon for Johnson.
He became the “Colored World Heavyweight Champion” in 1903 before taking the overall title from Tommy Burns in 1908 in an Australian bout.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.