[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             JOHN ARTHUR ``JACK'' JOHNSON POSTHUMOUS PARDON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of S. Con. 
Res. 29 (the companion bill to H. Con. Res. 91), a resolution granting 
a posthumous pardon to John Arthur ``Jack'' Johnson for his 1913 
racially motivated conviction. On April 1, 2009, I introduced my 
resolution with Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. and I join today with my 
colleagues in urging the House to support this effort.
  Jack Johnson became the first black World Heavyweight Boxing Champion 
in 1908 after defeating Tommy Burns in Australia and kept the title 
until 1915. He was a flamboyant and controversial figure in American 
history who paved the way for African-American athletes to participate 
and succeed in racially integrated professional sports in the United 
States.
  Prompted by his success in the boxing ring and his relationship with 
a white woman, Jack Johnson was wronged by a racially motivated 
conviction under the Mann Act. He was convicted in 1913 after fleeing 
to Canada, Europe and South America and served one year in prison. 
Being convicted ruined his career and wrongly destroyed his reputation.
  Because of this, we believe the President should grant a posthumous 
pardon to Jack Johnson to clear his name and recognize his athletic and 
cultural contributions to society. I am proud to have sponsored this 
resolution on his behalf.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.

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