Context

Jack Johnson (1878-1946): First African American heavyweight world champion, crowned in 1908.

He lived in the era of Jim Crow laws: laws that enforced racial segregation (separation of whites from "persons of color" in public transportation and schools).

Ready-to-use example

Johnson's case

• Won the World Heavyweight Championship in 1908 (some sources say 1908-1910), which was not well received by some audiences.
• Charged under the Mann Act for transporting Lucille Cameron, a white woman (later his wife). The case collapsed, so prosecutors focused on another partner.
• Convicted by an all-white jury in 1913 and sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison
• White men in similar situations were rarely prosecuted; Johnson was made an example.

2018: Posthumously pardoned by Trump

Trump, flanked by Sylvester Stallone and boxing figures, issued the pardon. Some historians saw it as symbolic recognition of a racial injustice. However, many critics felt it trivialized Johnson's struggle and reduced a complex story to political theater (PR stunt).

The Mann Act

The Mann Act (1910) was created to combat human trafficking and prostitution — particularly the interstate transport of women for "immoral purposes" (officially called the White-Slave Traffic Act).

However, the law's wording was vague: the key phrase, "for any immoral purpose," was not clearly defined, giving prosecutors enormous discretion, which they often applied selectively, usually reflecting the racial and moral prejudices of the time.

Evolution of the Mann Act:

Over time, the law was narrowed: by the mid-20th century, courts clarified it was aimed at forced prostitution and trafficking, not consensual relationships. Today, it is still used.

Let's reflect on that

To help you remember, here are a few questions you can reflect on and discuss with your friends. This could help you feeling more confident during a colle or when finding a leading question.

• In what ways do athletes become symbols for minority groups, and how does their success challenge social norms?
• To what extent should transgender athletes be included in women's competitions to balance fairness, inclusion, and safety?
• How do sports icons influence society (intentionally or not), and what impact can this have on public opinion?
• How can legal or political systems address past wrongs? Should they?