There have been countless women in my life. They have participated in my triumphs and suffered with me in my moments of disappointment.

John Arthur Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), more famous as Jack Johnson and nicknamed the "Galveston Giant", was an American boxer and arguably the best heavyweight of his generation. He was the first black Heavyweight Champion of the World, 1908–1915.

Quotes

• The search for the "white hope" not having been successful, prejudices were being piled up against me, and certain unfair persons, piqued because I was champion, decided if they could not get me one way they would another.
  • As quoted in Introduction to "Knockout" at Unforgivable Blackness at PBS (2005)

• There have been countless women in my life. They have participated in my triumphs and suffered with me in my moments of disappointment. They have inspired me to attainment and they have balked me; they have caused me joy and they have heaped misery upon me; they have been faithful to the utmost and they have been faithless; they have praised and loved me and they have hated and denounced me. Always, a woman has swayed me — sometimes many have demanded my attention at the same moment.
  • On women, as quoted in "Jack's Women" at Unforgivable Blackness at PBS (2005)

Quotes about Johnson

• You know, boy, the heavyweight division for a Negro is hardly likely. The white man ain't too keen on it. You have to be something to go anywhere. If you really ain't gonna be another Jack Johnson, you got some hope. White man hasn't forgotten that fool nigger with his white women, acting like he owned the world.
  • Jack Blackburn, in warnings to Joe Louis, as quoted "Ghost in the House" at Unforgivable Blackness at PBS (2005)

External links

• Profile at Unforgivable Blackness at PBS (2005)