President Donald Trump posthumously
pardoned Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, who
was convicted under the Mann Act in 1913 for transporting a white woman across
state lines and served 10 months in federal prison, reported Jurist.
Trump said Johnson "overcame difficult circumstances to
reach the heights of the boxing world and inspired generations with his
tenacity and independent spirit." Johnson's conviction occurred during a
period of racial tension in the US.
The full pardon has widespread bipartisan support and is
being granted in order "to correct a wrong that occurred in our history,
and to honor a truly legendary boxing champion, legendary athlete."
Previously, resolutions calling for his pardon went through
Congress, including one ] from Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) and John McCain (R-AZ) in 2015. In a statement, McCain lauded the pardon, saying "[f]or years, Congress has
overwhelmingly supported legislation calling on multiple US presidents to right
this historical wrong and restore this great athlete's legacy. President
Trump's action today finally closes a shameful chapter in our nation's history
and marks a milestone that the American people can and should be proud
of."
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