FILE – This undated photo shows boxer Jack Johnson. President Donald Trump says he’s considering “a Full Pardon!” for boxing’s first black heavyweight champion more than 100 years after Jack Johnson was convicted by all-white jury of “immorality” for one of his relationships. Trump tweets that the actor Sylvester Stallone called him to share Johnson’s story. Trump says Johnson’s “trials and tribulations were great, his life complex and controversial.” The president adds: “Others have looked at this over the years, most thought it would be done, but yes, I am considering a Full Pardon!” (AP Photo/File
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has granted a rare posthumous pardon to boxing’s first black heavyweight champion more than 100 years after what Trump said many feel was a racially motivated injustice.
Jack Johnson was convicted in 1913 by an all-white jury for violating the Mann Act, which made it illegal to transport women across state lines for “immoral” purposes.
Trump was joined by boxer Lennox Lewis and actor Sylvester Stallone as he announced the decision.
Johnson is a legendary figure in boxing, who crossed over into popular culture decades ago with biographies, dramas and documentaries following the civil rights era.
He died in 1946. His great-great-niece had been pressing for a posthumous pardon.
Sen. John McCain and former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had also pushed Johnson’s case for years.
