Today in Labor History July 4, 1910: African-American boxer Jack Johnson knocked out white boxer Jim Jeffries in the 15th round, leading to race riots throughout the U.S. 11 separate riots occurred in NYC, alone. There were riots in 50 cities, including New York, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and St. Louis. At least 20 people died in these riots. Johnson, who was also known as the Galveston Giant, became the first black World Heavyweight champion in 1908, which made him unpopular with the predominantly white audience of boxing. He held that title from 1908-1915 and quickly became the most famous black man of the era. The racism against him was so intense that many, including socialist writer Jack London, called for a Great White Hope to fight him and take away his title. Jeffries, a former heavyweight world champ, came out of retirement specifically to prove “that a white man is better than a Negro.” Johnson’s victory in this fight earned him $65,000 ($2.1 million in today’s dollars).
With his winnings, Johnson opened a multi-racial restaurant and nightclub, Club Deluxe, which he ran with his white wife. Because of this, the authorities arrested him for violating the Mann act (transporting women across state lines for immoral purposes). President Trump pardoned him in 2018, something Reagan, both Bushes and even Obama refused to do. Johnson fled the country to avoid arrest, but continued boxing abroad. Eventually he turned himself in and served time at Leavenworth Prison.
