B H This Day in Black History

January 21

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January 21, 1878

Jack Johnson Born

Born March 31, 1878, Jack Johnson defied racial conventions both inside and outside the ring. His dominance as heavyweight champion from 1908 to 1915 challenged white supremacy and he was persecuted for his lifestyle and relationships. He was posthumously pardoned by President Trump in 2018.

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People: Jack Johnson
Sources
1. Jack Johnson: The First African American Heavyweight Champion - PBS2. Jack Johnson - The Smithsonian Institution3. Jack Johnson - National Park Service4. Jack Johnson - Biography - Biography.com

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