This was originally published at HuffPost (formerly known as The Huffington Post) May 1, 2012 while I lived in Germany. In the age of Trump and in the current climate, this point could more relevant now than I could have ever known when I wrote it.
When Jack Johnson began his professional boxing career, it was possible for African American to wear the crown of champion in the lower weight classes. Unfortunately, the world heavyweight championship was off limits. But Johnson was not deterred. He pursued this seemingly unattainable goal with great tenacity. For two years, he stalked the reigning world champion Tommy Burns, pressuring him into a fight. On December 26, 1908, Jack Johnson defeated Burns, becoming the first black world heavyweight champion.
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