Reno Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Johnson/Jeffries

Posted by Ryan Bates on 03.21.2010

Nevada historians hope July's celebration weekend will be topped off by a Presidential pardon.

In 2008, one black man told a nation, "Yes we can."

Almost 100 years before, another black man said it first.

That black man was Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight champion, and this year, Reno, Nevada, "the biggest little city in the world," will celebrate the 100th anniversary of his bout with James Jeffries where he won his first title in that city.

The Jack Johnson celebration weekend, which will happen July 2-4, will include live boxing, but also include a ceremonial 10-count 100 years after the opening bell, a celebratory Breakfast of Champions, past boxing champions and celebrities, a Q&A panel, and a silent auction.

But what Nevada historian Guy Roche wants most is a Presidential pardon.

"Jack Johnson was robbed of his legacy," Roche said of Johnson's treatment for violating the Mann Act, which outlawed black men for taking white women (in this case, his wife) across state lines for "immoral purposes." "He was treated like an outcast. He should have been at the top of his game and able to fight to hold onto the title until someone could beat him. But [white society] didn't let him enjoy his glory."

Now Roche believes it would be "fitting" for President Obama to bestow the pardon on Johnson which Representatives McCain (AZ) and King (NY) have worked for on this weekend. "He broke a barrier in 2008 when he was elected President, just like Jack Johnson broke a barrier by becoming heavyweight champion in his day. It's too late to atone to Jack Johnson himself, but ultimately, justice delayed is better than no justice at all. We're trying to absolve ourselves from this stain on American history. We victimized this man, all because he was a great black boxer."

For more information on the Johnson-Jeffries 100-year anniversary, visit www.JohnsonJeffries.com.