Jack Johnson

The "Galveston Giant", Jim Crow era, was the first Black American world heavyweight boxing champion, circa 1920

One of the most influential boxers of all time. After his 1910 fight against James J. Jeffries was dubbed the "fight of the century". According to filmmaker Ken Burns, "for more than thirteen years, Jack Johnson was the most famous and the most notorious African-American on Earth". Transcending boxing, he became part of the culture and history of racism in the United States.

Original black and white photograph, circa 1920. Collection of the author.