Jack Johnson, born on March 31, 1878, was a trailblazing figure in Black history as the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion. Known for his incredible skill, strength, and tenacity in the ring, Johnson faced immense racial barriers during his career.

Johnson's victory against Tommy Burns in 1908 made him the first Black boxer to claim the title of world heavyweight champion. His success in the ring challenged the prevailing white supremacist attitudes of the time, leading to significant racial tension and backlash.

Beyond his boxing career, Johnson was also known for his flamboyant personality, extravagant lifestyle, and his relationships with white women. His unapologetic defiance of racial norms and laws around interracial relationships further fueled the backlash against him.

In 1913, Johnson was convicted under the Mann Act, a law that prohibited the transportation of women across state lines for immoral purposes, in a highly controversial and racially motivated trial. He was sentenced to a year in prison.

Despite the challenges and discrimination he faced, Jack Johnson left a lasting impact on the world of boxing and on civil rights. His legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and advocates for racial equality. In 2018, more than a century after his historic victory, President Donald Trump granted Johnson a posthumous pardon, acknowledging the unjust treatment he faced.