Jack Johnson - The Galveston Giant

Jack Johnson, born March 31, 1878, in Galveston, Texas, rose from the harsh realities of post-Reconstruction America to become the first Black heavyweight champion of the world, holding the title from 1908 to 1915. His unmatched skill, unshakable confidence, and refusal to bow to racism made him a powerful symbol of Black pride at a time when the nation sought to limit Black greatness. Johnson lived boldly both in and out of the ring, openly challenging the rigid rules of a segregated society. When he died on June 10, 1946, he left behind a legacy not only as a boxing legend, but as a fearless trailblazer whose courage expanded the boundaries of what was possible for Black America.