Jackie Robinson (J.R. and D.K.)
Jackie Robinson made history by what he did to our nation through playing baseball. He had many more opportunities. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. Jackie Robinson became the first black player in the major leagues in 1947, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1947, National League MVP in 1949 and a World Series champ in 1955. Throughout his decade-long career with the Dodgers, Robinson made advancements in the cause of civil rights for black athletes. He was named the region's Most Valuable Player in baseball in 1938. Jackie did two great things thats impacted many and one of those as you know where playing baseball. And being the african american playing in that league also impacted the civil rights movement.
Jackie Robinson's full name was Jack Roosevelt Robinson. He was born on January 31, 1919. He was born in Cairo, Georgia, but later Jackie Robinson and his family moved to Pasadena, California. Jackie Robinson's parents were Mallie and Jerry Robinson. His father was a sharecropper, but left his wife and kids when Jackie was only six months old. His mother did household chores for other families. Jackie had four older brothers and sisters. They were Edgar, Frank, Mack, and Willa Mae Robinson. Jackie went to a public school. Jackie excelled in athletics. He went to Pasadena Junior College.
His season with the Bears was cut short when the United States entered into World War II. Robinson served as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He never saw combat, however. During boot camp in 1944 in Fort Hood, Texas, Robinson was arrested and court-martialed after refusing to give up his seat and move to the back of a segregated bus when ordered to by the driver. Jackie joined the military and a few black got to become officers. While in the army Jackie fought and won many battle against segregation and discrimination. Robinson discharged early in 1945 with the rank of first lieutenant.Robinson signed a contract to play professional baseball with the Monarchs, a Kansas City, Mo., team of the Negro American League.
Jackie Robinson became the first black player in the major leagues in 1947, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1947, National League MVP in 1949 and a World Series champ in 1955. Throughout his decade-long career with the Dodgers, Robinson made advancements in the cause of civil rights for black athletes. Was the first African-American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Vocal champion for African-American athletes, civil rights, and other social and political causes.
After integrating baseball, Robinson became a full-fledged leader in the civil rights movement. As a board member of the NAACP, he traveled across the country in an effort to build morale among African Americans fighting for racial justice in their local communities. And as a friend of Martin Luther King Jr., Robinson helped to lead civil rights campaigns in Albany (Ga.) and Birmingham. While in Albany, he was so moved by the efforts of black parishioners to register African-American voters -- despite the fact that their church had been burned to the ground -- that he offered to raise enough money to rebuild several torched churches. In 1964, Robinson then founded Freedom National Bank in Harlem as a protest against white financial institutions that discriminated against African Americans by denying them loans or setting interest rates artificially high. And while he criticized Harlem resident Malcolm X for advocating racial separatism and the use of "any means necessary," Robinson saved his harshest public criticism for white politicians, including Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy and Richard Nixon, when they hesitated, as they often did, to advance civil rights legislation. Robinson had a close partner in these efforts — his loving wife Rachel. Together, Jackie and Rachel soothed tensions among civil rights leaders and raised countless dollars for the movement by hosting jazz picnics at their home in Stamford, Conn. The picnics offered a respite, if only for several hours, from the demands and dangers of civil rights activism.
Robinson responded to Presidential civil rights comments amid continuing controversy over school desegregation efforts in Little Rock, AR, and the South. In September 1957, Governor Orval Faubus had ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent entry of nine African American students into that city's Central High School. President Eisenhower reluctantly sent U.S. troops to enforce the school's integration. From his position as a prominent executive of the Chock Full o'Nuts Corporation, Robinson continued his advocacy of social justice. (National Archives and Records Administration, Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, KS)
Jackie Robinson (C.G. & H.G.)
Jackie Robinson changed America not just sports but also changing the views of fellow Americans. He inspired other African-Americans, gave them hope for a peaceful life, and changed the sport of baseball forever. His story is a legendary one and one that America will never forget.
Not Going To Move - Jackie in the Army
From 1942 to 1944, Jackie was a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942, Robinson was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he applied to Officers' Candidate School (OCS). Neither he nor any of his fellow black soldiers were allowed into the program. With the help of world heavyweight champion boxer Joe louis, also stationed at Fort Riley, Robinson petitioned for, and won, the right to attend OCS. Louis' fame and popularity no doubt helped the cause. Robinson was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1943. Known for his talent on the baseball field, Robinson was approached to play on Fort Riley's baseball team. The team policy was to accommodate any of the other teams who refused to play with a black player on the field. Robinson would be expected to sit those games out. Unwilling to accept that condition, Robinson refused to play even one game. Robinson was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, where he faced more discrimination. Riding on an Army bus one evening, he was ordered to go to the back of the bus. Fully aware that the Army had recently outlawed segregation on any of its vehicles, Robinson refused. He was arrested and tried in a military court of law for defying authority, among other charges. The Army dropped its charges when no evidence could be found of any wrongdoing. Robinson was granted an honorable discharge in 1944.
From 1942 to 1944, Jackie was a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942, Robinson was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he applied to Officers' Candidate School (OCS). Neither he nor any of his fellow black soldiers were allowed into the program. With the help of world heavyweight champion boxer Joe louis, also stationed at Fort Riley, Robinson petitioned for, and won, the right to attend OCS. Louis' fame and popularity no doubt helped the cause. Robinson was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1943. Known for his talent on the baseball field, Robinson was approached to play on Fort Riley's baseball team. The team policy was to accommodate any of the other teams who refused to play with a black player on the field. Robinson would be expected to sit those games out. Unwilling to accept that condition, Robinson refused to play even one game. Robinson was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, where he faced more discrimination. Riding on an Army bus one evening, he was ordered to go to the back of the bus. Fully aware that the Army had recently outlawed segregation on any of its vehicles, Robinson refused. He was arrested and tried in a military court of law for defying authority, among other charges. The Army dropped its charges when no evidence could be found of any wrongdoing. Robinson was granted an honorable discharge in 1944.
Protest
In 1945, Robinson was hired as a shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs, a baseball team in the Negro Leagues. Playing major league professional baseball was not an option for blacks at that time, although it hadn't always been that way. Blacks and whites had played together in the early days of baseball in the mid-nineteenth century, until “Jim Crow Laws, which required segregation, were passed in the late 1800s. The Negro Leagues came into being in the early 20th century to accommodate the many talented black players who were shut out of Major League Baseball. Jackie Robinson started out his baseball career after being released from the army. He went into the Negro League and played for the Kansas City Monarchs. The Monarchs had a hectic schedule, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles by bus in a day. Racism followed the men wherever they went, as players were turned away from hotels, restaurants, and rest rooms simply because they were black. At one service station, the owner refused to let the men use the restroom when they stopped to get gas. A furious Jackie Robinson told the proprietor they would not buy his gas if he didn't allow them to use the restroom, persuading the man to change his mind. Following that incident, the team would not buy gas from anyone who refused to let them use the facilities. “Black Baseball was a miserable way to make a living. The pay was low. The Travel Schedule was hectic, filled with long bus trips and doubleheaders.” (Weidhorn 42). He played in this league so that he could make an impact on the african-american community.
In 1945, Robinson was hired as a shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs, a baseball team in the Negro Leagues. Playing major league professional baseball was not an option for blacks at that time, although it hadn't always been that way. Blacks and whites had played together in the early days of baseball in the mid-nineteenth century, until “Jim Crow Laws, which required segregation, were passed in the late 1800s. The Negro Leagues came into being in the early 20th century to accommodate the many talented black players who were shut out of Major League Baseball. Jackie Robinson started out his baseball career after being released from the army. He went into the Negro League and played for the Kansas City Monarchs. The Monarchs had a hectic schedule, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles by bus in a day. Racism followed the men wherever they went, as players were turned away from hotels, restaurants, and rest rooms simply because they were black. At one service station, the owner refused to let the men use the restroom when they stopped to get gas. A furious Jackie Robinson told the proprietor they would not buy his gas if he didn't allow them to use the restroom, persuading the man to change his mind. Following that incident, the team would not buy gas from anyone who refused to let them use the facilities. “Black Baseball was a miserable way to make a living. The pay was low. The Travel Schedule was hectic, filled with long bus trips and doubleheaders.” (Weidhorn 42). He played in this league so that he could make an impact on the african-american community.
Segregated Baseball
In the 1940s the negro leagues were booming, and their All Star game a lot of times outdrew the white version. More forgotten are the many venues outside the South where blacks and whites increasingly played together. Collegiate athletics had been haphazardly integrated for decades. At UCLA Robinson starred in baseball, football, basketball, track, tennis, golf, and swimming. He was the first UCLA student to earn letters in all four sports that he played -- football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, a feat he accomplished after only one year. Still, Robinson was not satisfied with college life. He worried that despite getting a college education, he would have few opportunities to advance himself in a profession since he was black. Even with his tremendous athletic talent, Robinson also saw little chance for a career as a professional athlete because of his race. In March 1941, only months before he was to graduate, Robinson dropped out of UCLA. By playing all of these sports at a collegiate level, Jackie was proving to America that African-Americans can be just as successful. These were the first steps in what Jackie Robinson accomplished with civil rights.
In the 1940s the negro leagues were booming, and their All Star game a lot of times outdrew the white version. More forgotten are the many venues outside the South where blacks and whites increasingly played together. Collegiate athletics had been haphazardly integrated for decades. At UCLA Robinson starred in baseball, football, basketball, track, tennis, golf, and swimming. He was the first UCLA student to earn letters in all four sports that he played -- football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, a feat he accomplished after only one year. Still, Robinson was not satisfied with college life. He worried that despite getting a college education, he would have few opportunities to advance himself in a profession since he was black. Even with his tremendous athletic talent, Robinson also saw little chance for a career as a professional athlete because of his race. In March 1941, only months before he was to graduate, Robinson dropped out of UCLA. By playing all of these sports at a collegiate level, Jackie was proving to America that African-Americans can be just as successful. These were the first steps in what Jackie Robinson accomplished with civil rights.
Jackie's Career
Robinson was an outstanding hitter and finished with a .311 lifetime batting average. He was also a good base stealer. In 1947 he was Rookie of the Year, which really surprised me because he was African-American. In 1949, he won the National League’s MVP award. That year, he also won the league's batting championship with a .342 average. Overall Jackie had an amazing professional baseball career. It was hard enough for a white player to win these awards but it was extra difficult with Jackie facing racial slurs and hatred.
Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. This was a big deal with Jackie being the first Black player to play in the MLB. It was even more significant that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible.
Jackie Robinson became the first African-American baseball commentator when hired by ABC-TV in 1965, selected as a charter member of UCLA's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, and his number, 42, was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997. Jackie has achieved so much through his sports career. He didn’t only accomplish many things in baseball but also in the civil rights movement. By breaking the “color barrier” he gave other African-American’s inspiration to not be discouraged because of their color.
Robinson was an outstanding hitter and finished with a .311 lifetime batting average. He was also a good base stealer. In 1947 he was Rookie of the Year, which really surprised me because he was African-American. In 1949, he won the National League’s MVP award. That year, he also won the league's batting championship with a .342 average. Overall Jackie had an amazing professional baseball career. It was hard enough for a white player to win these awards but it was extra difficult with Jackie facing racial slurs and hatred.
Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. This was a big deal with Jackie being the first Black player to play in the MLB. It was even more significant that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible.
Jackie Robinson became the first African-American baseball commentator when hired by ABC-TV in 1965, selected as a charter member of UCLA's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, and his number, 42, was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997. Jackie has achieved so much through his sports career. He didn’t only accomplish many things in baseball but also in the civil rights movement. By breaking the “color barrier” he gave other African-American’s inspiration to not be discouraged because of their color.
Life After Baseball
Jackie Robinson played a big role in the employment of African-Americans. He worked at Chock Full O’ Nuts. He wanted to work his way up to management without having the influence of him being a baseball player. He won several awards from the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).
He once said, “there were two keys to the advancement of blacks in America-the ballot and the buck.” He wanted voting rights and good jobs for African-Americans. He also fought for social and political causes. In July 1949, he went against discrimination in front of the House Un–American Activities Committee. In 1952, he called out the Yankees as a racist team because it still had not hired African-American baseball players 5 years after he had began playing with the Dodgers.
Jackie Robinson played a big role in the employment of African-Americans. He worked at Chock Full O’ Nuts. He wanted to work his way up to management without having the influence of him being a baseball player. He won several awards from the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).
He once said, “there were two keys to the advancement of blacks in America-the ballot and the buck.” He wanted voting rights and good jobs for African-Americans. He also fought for social and political causes. In July 1949, he went against discrimination in front of the House Un–American Activities Committee. In 1952, he called out the Yankees as a racist team because it still had not hired African-American baseball players 5 years after he had began playing with the Dodgers.
Current Event
On April 15th Jackie Robinson is celebrated. On this day everyone in the MLB wears the jersey number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, and Jackie Robinson is a traditional event that happens every year. April 15 is the day that Jackie made his major league debut in 1947. Jackie Robinson day started in 2004 and is a tradition that continues. He is honored for his courage towards breaking the color barrier in major league baseball. The celebration is in memory of his great career and being the first African-American to play in the MLB. He was the one who ended the 80 year span of segregated baseball. The President and Chief Operating Officer of Major League baseball said, “Jackie Robinson Day is a significance not only for baseball, but for our country in general” (Bloom). Through all of the hardships and struggles, jackie Robinson was an inspiration to America
Sources:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZmwBr8tlXEfiI3ovS-zkPLc5jppy9UIiYfbq6p8zwJQ/edit?usp=sharing
On April 15th Jackie Robinson is celebrated. On this day everyone in the MLB wears the jersey number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, and Jackie Robinson is a traditional event that happens every year. April 15 is the day that Jackie made his major league debut in 1947. Jackie Robinson day started in 2004 and is a tradition that continues. He is honored for his courage towards breaking the color barrier in major league baseball. The celebration is in memory of his great career and being the first African-American to play in the MLB. He was the one who ended the 80 year span of segregated baseball. The President and Chief Operating Officer of Major League baseball said, “Jackie Robinson Day is a significance not only for baseball, but for our country in general” (Bloom). Through all of the hardships and struggles, jackie Robinson was an inspiration to America
Sources:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZmwBr8tlXEfiI3ovS-zkPLc5jppy9UIiYfbq6p8zwJQ/edit?usp=sharing
Jackie Robinson (H.S. and C.P)
In 1947 there was history made that would change the game of baseball forever. This was the year Jackie Robinson entered the major league as the first African-American baseball player. No one would have guessed that one player would have change the way people viewed African-Americans.
- The start of his career
In 1947, blacks and whites couldn't legally marry each other in most Southern states. Restaurants, hospitals, and schools were racially segregated. And poll taxes, literacy tests, and other restrictions prevented most blacks from voting. On April 15 of that year, one of the events that helped change racial attitudes in the U.S. took place on a baseball field in Brooklyn, New York. Twenty-eight-year-old Jackie Robinson made his game as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers on opening day against the Boston Braves, and America's pastime was officially no longer segregated. Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player who became the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers started him at first base on April 15, 1947. As the first major league team to play a black man since the 1880s, the Dodgers ended racial segregation that had relegated black players to the Negro leagues for six decades. The example of Robinson's character and unquestionable talent challenged the traditional basis of segregation, which then marked many other aspects of American life, and contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement.
- Military career
- His Letters of Importance
During the 1960 Presidential campaign an angry exchange occurred between JFK's kids brother Bobby Kennedy and Robinson after it became clear the latter would not support John Kennedy for election. Robinson, still a Chock full-o' Nuts executive, publicly stated that John Kennedy courted bigoted southerners while also claiming to support sit-ins and blacks' civil rights aspirations. In turn, Bobby accused Jackie of being nonunion. At the time he wrote this letter, Jackie believed he saw evidence that the administration was moving in the right direction, but he regarded the pace as too slow.
- His Letters of Importance
- His career
In his first major-league season, at the age of 28, Robinson played first base and compiled a .297 batting average. He displayed a fast style by stealing a National League best 29 bases, won the league’s Rookie of the Year award, and helped the team reach the World Series. It helped that other teams acknowledged that Robinson had given the Dodgers a real benefit and began themselves singing and playing black players. His best season came in 1949: He played second base and batted .342 with 16 home runs, 124 runs batted in, and 37 stolen bases, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award. In all, Robinson spent 10 seasons with the Dodgers and made six World Series appearances, including Brooklyn’s one and only championship year of 1955. After the following season, the six-time All-Star retired rather than go along with a trade to the rival New York Giants. In 1962, Robinson was placed into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the first black player so honoree.
- What happen after his career
Robinson himself spoke out against Jim Crow. He criticized hotels that refused to let him stay with his teammates and teams that refused to hire black players. A number of hotels and restaurants where the Dodgers stayed integrated as a result. Robinson's outstanding 10 year career included a .311 lifetime batting average, playing in 6 X World Series, and stealing home 19 times. He also won the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1949, when he led the league with a .342 batting average and 37 stolen bases. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of . After his retirement Robinson worked for the NAACP and Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York.
The number “42” is a retired still in the game of baseball because of how good he was at baseball and how he broke the color barrier. Also how he helped out with the civil rights movement. To this day we still have Jackie Robinson day to honor what he did for the world. In memory of Jackie Robinson we made a movie to honor his bravery to break the color barrier.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zsTR4EGVfusNQna18tvPKLG-5C84v5DLDad7u1ZxuRE/edit
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zsTR4EGVfusNQna18tvPKLG-5C84v5DLDad7u1ZxuRE/edit
Jackie Robinson (E.B. & L.K.)
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” - Jackie Robinson
It was 1947 in segregated America when Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the major leagues since 1889. Many Americans were against Jackie playing baseball, and they made rude comments, death threats, and players tried to hit him with the ball. Jackie knew what he was getting into, but he was wise enough to not fight back. Jackie Robinson changed America by breaking the bonds of segregation, all while playing the game he loved.
It was 1947 in segregated America when Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the major leagues since 1889. Many Americans were against Jackie playing baseball, and they made rude comments, death threats, and players tried to hit him with the ball. Jackie knew what he was getting into, but he was wise enough to not fight back. Jackie Robinson changed America by breaking the bonds of segregation, all while playing the game he loved.
- Growing Up
- In the Army
- Signing for the Team
- His Baseball Career
Jackie played one season in the Negro league in 1945. He was the first African American to play in the major leagues since 1889. He courageously challenged the deeply rooted custom of racial segregation in both the North and South by breaking the color barrier in baseball. Opposing players would make insulting remarks about Jackie’s race and family to make him lose concentration during the games. Black fans came in huge numbers to see Jackie Robinson play. This made him feel like he had a great amount of responsibility in his hands. Even under all the pressure and rude comments, he still proved to be a superb baseball player (2nd base). On April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson became an inspiring figure in the civil rights movement, when he became the first African American to play major league baseball in the twentieth century. Due to Robinsons triumph it gave a sense of pride to the Black people and made the rest of America question the belief of white supremacy. With Jackie Robinson the Brooklyn Dodgers won six pennants and a World Series championship. Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
- After Baseball
- Jackie Robinson’s legacy has left a mark on America through media and charity. The movie 42, directed by Brian Helgeland, came out April 12, 2013. 42 was highly praised for how well it retold the story of Jackie Robinson’s inspiring life. The Jackie Robinson Foundation helps Jackie’s legacy live on by providing four year college scholarships to colored students, so that they can get the same amount of education as others. As you can see Jackie Robinson still inspires people to do great things to this day.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r71h8aKbbnBYzfO7LEo1i8cyudv0uCmyehoByGcKsMg/edit?usp=sharing
African American Women in Sports (S.M. and N.B.)
The first African American women are all amazing athletes who had one thing in common, determination. They have been told that they couldn’t do sports countless of times just because of who they were and what they looked like. These brave African American women have been prevented by the law (Jim Crow Law) to have the same training and equipment as a white male would have. They had many hardships, but those hardships made them determined to achieve their goal.
Alice Coachman was the first African American woman to win a gold medal and set records in the Olympics in London, 1948. She was also a very strong woman, she lived in the segregated south. The Jim Crow Law prevented her to play on sport teams with white children. She was also barred from using public sports facilities and she also faced prejudice against women participating in sport organizations. This also meant that she was often denied the ability to train or compete in events. She would run barefoot on dirt roads and make her own equipment to pursue high jumping. During the Olympics she showed the world how talented she was even though she was a black woman. After her Olympic career she was sad that she won the gold medal as an American but she was not treated like one. She also created the Alice Coachman Track and Field Foundation to support young woman athletes. She inspired many black woman to become more involved with sports. In 1996 she was honored one of the top 100 olympic athletes in history.
Debi Thomas was the first African American figure skater to win women's title at the U.S figure skating championships and the world championships in the same year of 1986. Debi was known for being the only African American to win a non-novice title. She was also the first African American Woman to win any medal in the winter olympics. As an african american figure skater she was often discriminated by judges that were not always fair. Debi also suffered discrimination outside of iceskating, sometimes her family would returned from a competition to a burning cross in her yard.was the first African American figure skater to win women's title at the U.S figure skating championships and the world championships in the same year of 1986. Debi was known for being the only African American to win a non-novice title. She was also the first African American Woman to win any medal in the winter olympics. As an African American figure skater she was often discriminated by judges that were not always fair. Debi also suffered discrimination outside of iceskating, sometimes her family would returned from a competition to a burning cross in her yard. She did what others told her would be impossible.
Althea Gibson was a wonderful role model to anyone, especially because she “paved the way” for other African American women wanting to be in sports. Althea Gibson is the daughter of a poor sharecropper on a five-acre cotton farm. Growing up there, a tennis ball was never around so, Althea started out playing paddle tennis on 143 street in New York. This street was the Police Athletic League play street. Not surprisingly, Althea was very good at paddle tennis and drew the attention of Buddy Walker who persuaded Althea to try playing tennis with a racket he bought her. Althea started playing tennis at Harlem River, and spectators noticed her skills and she was urged to go to the Cosmopolitan Tennis Club to be taught under the expert, Fred Johnson. After just a year, Althea entered her first tournament, the girls’ singles in the New York State Open Championship, and she won it. Althea went on to win many more tournaments including Wimbledon. Althea was an amazing athlete also in golf who generally drove 230-260 yards off of the tee. Althea married in 1956 to William A. Darben and became a member of the LPGA. Althea was the first African American woman to be a LPGA member. In 1991 she became the first woman to be in the Theodore Roosevelt Award. Sadly, Althea died in New Jersey in 2003.
Lynette Woodard in 1985 became the first African American woman to be on the Harlem Globetrotters team. Woodard was a 4 time all American at the University of Kansas where she scored on average 26.3 points per game during her college career. She also was the first KA woman to have her jersey retired. Even though she was very successful, it was not always easy. She didn’t have the equipment needed to play basketball so she improvised, she started shooting hoops with a stuffed sock or a rolled up piece of paper. Her successful career inspired many young female African American athletes. The Harlem Globetrotters wanted to win African American fans over by adding a African American female to the team. Her male teammates were not as happy about a woman on their team, until she proved to them that she was a valuable player. She definitely set the standard for all the athletes that followed her.
Wilma Rudolph became the first American woman to get three gold medals in one Olympic games, in Rome 1960. Throughout the 1960’s she was considered the fastest woman in the world. Wilma was not only faster than other African Americans, it is important to remember that she was the fastest out of all women. Sports Illustrated In 2000 ranked Wilma number one on the top fifty greatest sports figures of the twentieth-century Tennessee. Tennessee’s governor, was a segregationist, he planned a party for her victory. But she refused to go unless blacks were allowed to attend and her parade was the first integrated event in Clarksville. She also created the Wilma Rudolph Foundation that provided free coaching to all and academic assistance. She is an inspiration to many generations of young African Americans to come. She was a true champion.
In conclusion, sadly even today segregation is sometimes apparent. For example, Serena Williams is the number one women's tennis player in the world. She has beaten Maria Sharapova, a tall-white blond, for 9 years. Yet Maria makes more money in endorsements than Serena. As of June 2013, Maria made $29 million and Serena made $20 million.
Sources:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ub1qnzyB_7ZBq6ZG4g8LlwoYZbbnB7EHGCkVPgTCB2c/edit?usp=sharing
Sources:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ub1qnzyB_7ZBq6ZG4g8LlwoYZbbnB7EHGCkVPgTCB2c/edit?usp=sharing
Texas Western (J.D. & B.G.)
1966 was a big year. Songs such as Monday Monday and Paint it Black peaked at number 1 on the billboards, Bonanza on NBC was the #1 TV show, John Lennon said the controversial quote, “The Beatles are bigger than Jesus”, and the Barrel of Monkeys was a popular toy. But, probably most importantly, the Texas Western college basketball team won the National Championship against Adolph Rupp and Kentucky
The UTEP Miners are very important to African-American civil rights movement because they were the first team to have 5 black starters. Those five black starters opened up a door to African Americans playing sports. The starters were booed as they came upon the court and called horrible names. Even though they were being called names, they ended up winning the game 72-65.
The team was coached by Don Haskins, who was white. He was considered by some as a “racial pioneer” because of what he did by starting 5 black athletes. He was the very first coach to ever start five black athletes. “The fact that he was doing something historic by playing five blacks, that probably never crossed Don’s mind”(Fitzpatrick). Throughout all of his coaching he coached 719 wins and the 1966 championship.
According to Bobby Joe Hill, the other teams thought they were faster than them until they got out onto the court and found out that Texas Western was faster than them. When the Black starters walked upon the court they were booed and called horrible names by both the teams and the audience. One of the strange things about the team was that Texas Western was a school where the majority of the students were white, not African-American.
The team was very good during the regular season, as they finished 23-1, only losing the last game of the year. The Miners also proved black stereotypes wrong. Whites thought that black people couldn’t run offense and understand the plays as well as the whites could, and the UTEP Miners proved them wrong by having five black starters and beating Kentucky in the championship. Having 5 black starters, or even 5 black players, was a very radical idea at the time, and it was uncommon for even schools with a majority of blacks.
The championship game against Kentucky (an all white team) and their coach Adolph Rupp. This game is considered by many as one of the, if not the, most important games in college basketball history, as it took down many of the racial barriers in college sports. This game, although it was very important, was not televised on any major television networks, and the start time was 10 PM, which is very late for a game of this magnitude.
Glory Road is a 2006 movie that told the story of the 1966 team (dramaticized, of course, as it was a movie.) While some of the names are changed, (Don Haskins is called “Lucas” for example) the story is still followed based on what actually happened. The name “Glory Road” and the story is based mostly from Don Haskins autobiography, which is also called Glory Road. Next to the closing credits, scenes from interviews with some of the real-life players from the team are shown, including one player from the opposing University of Kentucky team.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RBJoNSwaBzubdJGkc6j7pNX-X9nyzZ6iNV4IHY-alAk/edit
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RBJoNSwaBzubdJGkc6j7pNX-X9nyzZ6iNV4IHY-alAk/edit
Texas Western (M.D. & L.B.)
Imagine living in a time period where everybody hates you because of your skin color. Nobody gives you a chance because they don’t think you’re equal even if you’re one of the best basketball players in the country. There was many great african american basketball players back in the day, but most of the time nobody would give them a chance to show their skill. There was a couple coaches who would give chances to the blacks, although there would be questions surrounding the team. One coach who gave many chances to african americans was Dan Haskins, because of this he made history and is known as a hero to many people today.
1. Texas Western is a college out of El Paso, Texas. This college was made in 1914. The college is known as UTEP today. UTEP stands for University of Texas at El Paso. The college’s nickname is the miners. In 1919, the school name was changed to the University of Texas Department of Mines and Metallurgy. In 1920, it was changed to the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy (TCM). The school's name changed for the last time In 1967, to the current name of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The basketball coach in 1966, was named Dan Haskins. He led that team to go undefeated that year.
2. The coach of the basketball team was Dan Haskins. He had been the head coach since 1961. This coach made history two years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which outlawed racial segregation in the public school system. Coach Haskins played three years of collegiate basketball at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) where he learned his coaching style. He won 719 games at Texas Western/UTEP, won 14 conference titles, had 17 20+ win seasons, and only 5 losing seasons. He was enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.
3. The Texas Western Basketball team won the National Championship in 1966. They beat the Kentucky Wildcats 72-65. The Wildcats were the number one ranked team in the tournament, while Texas Western was ranked #3. Kentucky was leading 42-41 at halftime. The miners only played 7 players in the title game, they played all blacks, and the team only had 7 blacks. The leading scorer in the game was Texas Western’s Bobby Joe Hill with 20 points.
4. They were an all-black starting lineup team facing an all-white team in the championship. Not very many people were expecting Texas Western team to win. In fact, not many people wanted them to win, but they did. Throughout the entire season, the refs officiating their games always favored the other team. But they overcame all of this and ended up winning the title. After they won the title, nobody brung out a ladder for the team to do the post-game tradition, cutting down the nets.
5. They were the first all black starting line up to win a National Championship. Because of this coach Dan was getting a lot of hate mail and death threats. Dan did not regret starting all-blacks. He said, “I do not regret the choice I made because I had to play my best players, like I did all year”. The game was played at the University of Maryland’s Cole Field House. 14,253 people were at this game.
Present Day Implications
1. There was a movie made in 2006 about the basketball team. The movie was called Glory Road. The film made $43,000,000. It won the 2006 ESPY award for best sports movie. The movie is about Coach Dan Haskins recruiting the best players he can, regardless of race. The players are put through a tough training program, teaching the players to work together. Many people are skeptical about the balance of races on the team, but the team overcomes obstacles and achieves the ultimate goal. The current home arena for the UTEP Miners is called Don Haskins Center. It has a capacity 12,222. Its nickname, The Don, is a tough place to play for visiting teams. In fact, it has historically had difficulty convincing top teams to play there.
sources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qapor9VBbxHsVhF6A8_q1tesTjsMDC5lfMrqqzCRsl8/edit?usp=sharing
1. There was a movie made in 2006 about the basketball team. The movie was called Glory Road. The film made $43,000,000. It won the 2006 ESPY award for best sports movie. The movie is about Coach Dan Haskins recruiting the best players he can, regardless of race. The players are put through a tough training program, teaching the players to work together. Many people are skeptical about the balance of races on the team, but the team overcomes obstacles and achieves the ultimate goal. The current home arena for the UTEP Miners is called Don Haskins Center. It has a capacity 12,222. Its nickname, The Don, is a tough place to play for visiting teams. In fact, it has historically had difficulty convincing top teams to play there.
sources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qapor9VBbxHsVhF6A8_q1tesTjsMDC5lfMrqqzCRsl8/edit?usp=sharing
Arthur Ashe (T.H. & P.E.)
Arthur Ashe was a big influence on young kids that feel like they didn’t fit in. He never never gave up on his dreams in becoming a ProfessionAL tennis player, In though in his hometown as a young boy he was treated differently than other, and was said to that his dreams would never come true because of his color and race.
Arthur Ashe was the first black man to play professional tennis, making many racist whites feel awkward and uneasy. He “paved the way” for other black players to be treated as players and not as black players, which was both good and bad. Good that they are able to compete as equal with whites, and bad that the world racist problem still exists.
In the early 1980s, Ashe is believed to have contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received during heart bypass surgery. Ashe publicly announced his illness in April 1992 and began working to educate others about HIV and AIDS. He founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health before his death from AIDS-related pneumonia on February 6, 1993.
His color kept him out of tennis tournaments as a boy in his home town of Richmond, Virginia Arthur continued to refuse to be daunted by his health problems everyday.
South Africa yielded to pressure in 1973, allowing Ashe, the first black pro ever, to play in its national championship. Arthur's activism for civil rights never ceased. In 1992, he protested the expulsion of Haitian refugees and was arrested in front of the White House. In 1969 Arthur first applied for a visa to travel to South Africa and compete in the South African Open. At the time the country's government enforced a strict policy of racial segregation called Apartheid. Because of this they denied him a South African visa despite his number 1 U.S. ranking.
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1963, Ashe became the first African American to be recruited by the U.S. Davis Cup team. Thereafter, he continued to refine his game, gaining the attention of his tennis idol, Pancho Gonzales, who further helped Ashe hone his serve-and-volley attack. The training all came together in 1968, when the still-amateur Ashe shocked the world by capturing the U.S. Open title becoming the first, and still the only, African-American male player to do so. Two years later, he took home the Australian title.
Arthur was such an important idol to kids that want to follow their dreams. He never gave up and that inspired the kids to never give up. Despite his health disease he still did what he loved, which was playing tennis. He was also a protester to make sure that everyone would be treated equally. Arthur was a great role model and tennis player, but Arthur played important part in the civil right movement. He became the first tennis player to go professional, and didn't care that people didn't want him there because of the color of his skin.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18Zv1TA-9qjan1XIsajvAXgpqRQ1tqu6b3k9MwIJM7-g/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18Zv1TA-9qjan1XIsajvAXgpqRQ1tqu6b3k9MwIJM7-g/edit?usp=sharing
Arthur Ashe (M.B. & V.C.)
In 1943, Arthur Ashe was born into segregated Richmond, Virginia. At age seven he began playing tennis. He soon became a very popular player and eventually very famous. Ashe used his fame to draw attention to the apartheid in South Africa making him a large civil activist figure. His impact was very important to the civil rights movement and he was an inspiration for many for these five reasons;https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hGecbi6mMiVA9UUWKRVX2lZeBV3lGKW8mpkp55cSA6I/edit?usp=sharing
Arthur Ashe’s rough journey to fame. He was born in a time where blacks and whites were not considered equal. His mother died before he was seven years old. When he learned to play tennis he was limited to playing against black players and there were only outdoor courts for blacks (Gale). Because he was so devoted to tennis, he was accepted into UCLA. Ashe was declined a visa because he was black even though, by this point, he was a famous tennis player (Wikipedia). Even through the rough and segregated background, Arthur Ashe managed to become a national figure. He broke through all the barriers for African Americans at the time.
There is an athletic award called the Arthur Ashe Courage Award given to athletes who show the same undaunted bravery as Arthur Ashe did. Also, The Arthur Ashe Stadium is named after him. This award is considered a high honor for athletes in all sports and people showing the same courage outside of sports. Some people who have recieved this award are Billie Jean King, Muhammad Ali, and Nelson Mandela (Wikipedia). The stadium is located at in New York and it hosts the US Open. Arthur Ashe Stadium cost $254 million to construct, features 22,547 individual seats, 90 luxury suites, five restaurants and a two-level players' lounge—making it, by far, the largest outdoor tennis-only venue in the world (Wikipedia).
Arthur Ashe did many great and amazing services and jobs after his retirement. Ashe took on many roles including writing for Time magazine, commentating for ABC Sports, founding the National Junior Tennis League, and serving as captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team. He was also elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1988, Ashe published a three-volume book titled A Hard Road to Glory: A History of the African-American Athlete,after working with a team of researchers for nearly six years. Ashe was also an active civil rights supporter. He was a member of a delegation of 31 African-Americans who visited South Africa to observe political change in the country as it approached racial integration. He was arrested on January 11, 1985, for protesting outside the Embassy of South Africa, Washington, D.C. during an anti-apartheid rally (Wikipedia).
Arthur Ashe experienced many health issues that affected his career. In 1979, Ashe suffered a heart attack, which surprised the public in view of his high level of fitness as an athlete. His condition drew attention to the hereditary aspect of heart disease. Ashe underwent a quadruple bypass operation. A few months after the operation, Ashe was on the verge of making his return to professional tennis. However, during a family trip in Cairo, Egypt, he developed chest pains while running. Ashe stopped running and returned to see a physician. In 1983, Ashe underwent a second round of heart surgery to correct the previous bypass surgery. In September 1988, Ashe was hospitalized after experiencing paralysis in his right arm. After undergoing exploratory brain surgery and a number of tests, doctors discovered that Ashe had toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that is commonly found in people infected with HIV. A test later revealed that Ashe was HIV positive. Ashe and his doctors believed he contracted the virus from blood transfusions he received during his second heart surgery (Wikipedia). On February 6, 1993, Ashe died from AIDS-related pneumonia at New York Hospital. His funeral was held at the Arthur Ashe Athletic Center in Richmond, Virginia, on February 10.
Ashe was the first African American to accomplish many successes, breaking the barrier for black athletes. He also started many groups for African American equality. He was the first African American to represent the United States on a Davis Cup team in 1963. In 1968 Ashe became the first African American to win the U.S open championship and first to become ranked internationally. He was also the first to be entered into the Olympic Order even though he was not connected to the Olympic Games (Carter). Even more, in 1975 Ashe was the first African American to win Wimbledon. Ashe also began the African American Athletic Association and spent millions of dollars funding the United Negro College Fund. He died on February 6th of 1993. Four months after his death, Arthur Ashe was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.
Arthur Ashe was an inspiration and a prodigy. He inspired other African American athletes like James Blake to achieve their goals. An award was created in his honor called the Arthur Ashe Courage Award which caused many people to aspire to be brave like him. On July 16th, 2014, Michael Sam was given the award for having the courage to announce his homosexuality. Ashe's impact on segregation was ceaseless. His accomplishments as an athlete and as an activist opened people's eyes to segregation and apartheid. Ashe changed the athletic world forever, but he will always be known for so much more.
Sources- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MWkcHsHPrpPxSErK6j3Xm6Gu_8fnbENGPlAmeZ3pkFk/edit
Sources- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MWkcHsHPrpPxSErK6j3Xm6Gu_8fnbENGPlAmeZ3pkFk/edit
Jesse Owens (E.S. & K.Y.)
Jesse Owens was a four time Track and Field gold medalist that was the first black olympian. Born September 12, 1913 and died March 31, 1980. He was born in Oakville, Alabama and his full name is James Cleveland Owens. Owens attended Ohio State University. He managed to prove Hitler wrong and his belief and made a huge difference in black history.
Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete star and a four-time Olympic gold medalist. ( wikipedia.org)He achieved setting three world records and tying another. He did this in less than an hour at the 1935 Big Ten track meet. It has been called "the greatest 45 minutes ever in sport". (wikipedia.org)Jesse owens was the most successful athlete at the games and has been given credit for crushing Hitler’s myth of Aryan supremacy all on his own. (wikipedia.org) Jesse Owens is best remembered as the sprinter and long jumper who won four gold medals at the politically charged 1936 Berlin Olympics. (usatf.org)
Jesse Owens was ranked by ESPN as the sixth greatest North American athlete of the twentieth century and best ranked in his sport. ( wikipedia.org)Owens went to Ohio State University after a job was found for his father, making sure the family could be supported. (wikipedia.org) Owens took different jobs in his spare time: he delivered groceries, loaded freight cars and worked in a shoe repair shop while his father and older brother worked at a steel mill. (wikipedia.org) Jesse also Broke world records and won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, a feat unmatched until Carl Lewis accomplished it in 1984. (encyclopediaofalabama.org)
On August 3, he won the 100m sprint with a time of 10.3 seconds, winning against his teammate Ralph Metcalfe by a tenth of a second. On August 4, Jesse won the long jump with a leap of 26 ft 5 in later crediting his achievement to the advice he received from Luz Long, the German competitor who he defeated. (wikipedia.org) His promising athletic career began in 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio where he set Junior High School records by clearing 6 feet in the high jump, and leaping 22 feet 11 3/4 inches in the broad jump. (Jesse Owens.com) He made his first feat in Michigan, in 1935, breaking five world records and tying another in less than 90 minutes, ran 100 yards in 9 min. 4 sec., Jumped 8.13 m in length, a record that took 25 years to overcome, and ran the 220 yards in 20 minutes flat., 3 sec. and the 220-yard hurdles in 22 min. (famouspeopleinfo.com)
Owens was born in Alabama in 1913 to Henry and Emma Owens, sharecroppers who were the children of slaves. (http://BlackhistoryNow.com)When Owens was nine when the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where his new schoolteacher gave him the name that was to become known around the world. The teacher was told "J.C." when she asked his name to enter in her roll book, but she thought he said "Jesse". The name stuck and he would be known as Jesse Owens for the rest of his life. (JesseOwens.com).
On April 2, 1936, when the 22-year-old son of a sharecropper entered the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, he was, he later remembered, barely able to control his anger. (Kpbs.org) Jesse Owens died from complications due to lung cancer on March 31, 1980 in Tucson, Arizona. (Jesse Owens.com) President Carter stated: "Perhaps no athlete better symbolized the human struggle against tyranny, poverty and racial bigotry. His personal triumphs as a world-class athlete and record holder were the prelude to a career devoted to helping others. His work with young athletes, as an unofficial ambassador overseas, and a spokesman for freedom are a rich legacy to his fellow Americans." (JesseOwens.com)
“Present Day Implications Of The Topic”
People call it the greatest 45 minutes ever in sports. In less than an hour, the 21-year-old Ohio State sophomore tied the world record in the 100-yard dash and then set the world record in the long jump, the 220-yard dash and the 220 low hurdles. He also proved Hitler wrong! That Owens took care of business in less than an hour -- and with an injured back -- adds even more luster to a name that has always ranked near the top of American sports heroes. (Sportsillustrated.cnn.com) link to full article >>> http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/more/05/24/owens.record.day/?mobile=no
Sources - https://docs.google.com/document/d/18KV951N5wnd3d4UTySwtDJamY0_xHVh8MHQJYaiPU9I/edit?usp=sharing
People call it the greatest 45 minutes ever in sports. In less than an hour, the 21-year-old Ohio State sophomore tied the world record in the 100-yard dash and then set the world record in the long jump, the 220-yard dash and the 220 low hurdles. He also proved Hitler wrong! That Owens took care of business in less than an hour -- and with an injured back -- adds even more luster to a name that has always ranked near the top of American sports heroes. (Sportsillustrated.cnn.com) link to full article >>> http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/more/05/24/owens.record.day/?mobile=no
Sources - https://docs.google.com/document/d/18KV951N5wnd3d4UTySwtDJamY0_xHVh8MHQJYaiPU9I/edit?usp=sharing
Jesse Owens (C.W. & B.Y.)
Jesse Owens was one of the greatest athletes that has ever lived. He overcame the odds of living in the South and growing up in poverty. Nobody respected African Americans in the 1930’s, but he changed all that with his athleticism. He proved every white person wrong by dominating the track. Jesse Owens was a very influential figure during that time period, and he inspired lots of young African Americans to pursue their dreams.
- Jesse Owens' Early Childhood
Jesse Owens was born on the twelfth of a warm, muggy September. The year was 1913, and the leaves were turning brown in Oakville, Alabama. Jesse was birthed by Henry and Mary Emma Owens. His original name was James Cleveland Owens, but he went by "J.C." or "Jesse" as we know him today. Jesse had a very rough childhood. He grew up in poverty because his parents were sharecroppers, which meant that they had very little money, and they couldn't afford medical care as Jesse was always sick. Finally, at the age of nine, Jesse experienced a much higher quality of life when he moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He got a much better education, more wealth, and a better social life, as blacks were more accepted in the North. Moving to Cleveland was the best thing his parents could have done.
- Jesse Owens' road to becoming an olympic athlete
Jesse Owens was an athlete before he even stepped on the track. His parents always saw him running around and being extremely energetic as a child. However, his career really started in junior high when he set school records in high jump and broad jump. After 2 years of doing track and field at his junior high, his coaches, Charles Riley and Edgar Weil, started training him for the U.S. Olympic team. When the tryouts came, however, Owens lost all three events. Jesse kept pushing forward to be the best though. He had a very successful senior year in high school, and won 75 out of 79 races he participated in. Jesse Owens’ shining moment was at the National Interscholastic Championship in Chicago when he set the world record for the 220 yard dash and tied a world record for the 100 yard dash. He even got his own parade for his stellar performance. After high school, Jesse attended OSU where he won the Big Ten Championship. Just a year later, he participated in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. He worked extremely hard and achieved his goals. He proved that anything is possible, and gave hope to millions of African Americans
- Jesse Owens' life after athletics
When Jesse Owens retired from the Olympics, did he just disappear, or did he remain a prominent figure in the African American Civil Rights Movement? After Jesse Owens' retired as an athlete he started traveling the states widely as an inspirational speaker. He spoke at High school and College ceremonies to tell people that it did not matter what the color of their skin was or how big they were. He said anyone could be whatever they wanted to be if they put their mind to it. When Jesse Owens' first realized that he could make a difference in the young minds of America, he jumped right on the idea of inspiring other blacks to stand up to the race that was dominating their rights. When Jesse Owens' was traveling around the U.S he started to and see all of the things that he could fix or make better for blacks in the realm of athletics. He helped other African American athletes achieve their dreams. Jesse Owens was a true inspiration to everyone.
- Jesse Owens' lasting impact on the world after death
Jesse Owens ignited an inferno that would never go out. He was the first African American to emerge as a national champion, and he was a symbol for the sports world. This started the trend of many African American athletes following in his footsteps, and achieving their dreams that seemed impossible at one point in time. Jesse Owens inspired little kids everywhere. He started a new era. Blacks started to believe in themselves and prove to everyone that African Americans were not inferior. His achievements deserved recognition from the sports world no matter what the color of his skin was.
- Jesse Owens' greatest lifetime achievements
Jesse Owens proved so many people wrong during his lifetime, and ruled the track. He had so many milestones and major achievements. His first major achievement was setting a big record in his senior year of high school. His next major achievement was winning the Big Ten Championship. After that, he won three gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games. Owens changed everyone’s view on the African American race.
- Current day implications
Jesse Owen’s left a lasting footprint on the world through his great achievements. Still today, little kids look up to him and dream about going to the Olympics and making a better life for themselves. If Jesse Owens had given up, many lives today would be very different. He performed like a star on and off the track.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UUqRm6aQhSjcIVgnhrUkvMiQ1IZW5MtcD2AHUyRQ8x4/edit?usp=sharing
Jesse Owens (A.S. and A.H.)
Jesse Owens was an amazing Olympic runner and won many races. Growing up he had many ups and downs but he still managed to be successful and fulfill his dreams. He did not let anything stop him from doing what he loved. He loved running for the sense of freedom.
Jesses friends warned him to expect racism at college, and he found it. He wasn't aloud to live on campus. He could not ride the same bus to a track meet with his white teammates or even use the same shower afterward. Jesse loved running because of the sense of freedom it gave him as he ran around exploring Alabama. He enjoyed running across the low hills of northern Alabama. “I wasn’t very good at it, but I loved it because it was something you could do all by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs”(Rennert 8) He believed that African Americans should improve their own lives through enterprise and hard work.
Hitler hated anyone who was not white and pure German stock. Adolf Hitler was not happy when Owens captured his second gold medal by smashing the world record in the 200- meter dash. The 1936 Nazi Olympics in Berlin, Germany affected the Supreme Court's concern on segregation and individual rights. Great things certainly appeared to be in store for owens upon his return to the U.S. after the Olympics. He received a hero’s welcome everywhere he went. Jesse beat the Germans in a number of track and field events, thereby proving that the theory of Aryan supremacy was false. He also made the world realize that blacks are as equally skilled as whites, and that blacks can do anything the whites can do. Also, Jesse realized that he was treated with no more respect in America than in Germany. In comparison with Germany, the segregated South of America was equal to the Nazis because the Nazis treated Jewish people in Germany the same way the Southerners treated blacks in the United States.
In the Owens decision to move North to escape the poverty, limited opportunity, and sometimes violent racism of the South, Mary and Henry Owens were part of one of the greatest movements of people in American history, a phenomenon known as the Great Migration. Owens's achievement stands as perhaps the best single-day accomplishment of any track-and-field athlete in the history of the discipline. His participation in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games resulted in four Gold Medals, two with new world records and two with new Olympic records. His eventual work as a corporate spokesman and motivational speaker allowed him to burnish this legend to the point where the 1936 Olympics seemed to be all about a confrontation between Owens and Hitler.
In Germany,many citizens were trying to boycott Germany because of segregation and prejudice against German Jews by the Nazi government. Americans and others were trying to prevent the segregationist policies from becoming enforced. Since Jesse Owens was black, the leader of Germany, Adolf Hitler, did not want to have Germans face a black man in the Olympics. Hitler thought that the United States citizens were relying on blacks to win for us, so Hitler and his followers taunted Jesse. But the anti-Nazi spectators thought of Jesse as a hero and they embraced him while they chanted his name in the stands.
The events of the Nazi Olympics did not have an immediate effect on segregation in America. But after World War II, the US Armed Forces were desegregated in 1948 by President Harry S Truman's executive order. Then in 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that "separate but equal" was actually a violation of the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. It was the efforts of blacks like Jesse Owens, a strong man who stood up to prejudice and adversity, who helped change the attitudes of Americans. His actions led the Supreme Court, and the people of America, to think harder about how they treat blacks, and that maybe America should give them same rights as whites. Because of Jesse Owens and his bravery, Blacks received rights just like whites.
With the onset of the Cold War, in the late 1940s Owens enjoyed a rebirth of fame. In 1950 he was honored by the Associated Press as the greatest track athlete of the past half century. For the next two years Jesse Owens barnstormed with several athletic groups, supervised playground activities in Cleveland, and ran exhibition races at baseball games. In 1938 he opened a dry-cleaning business in Cleveland, but within the year it went bankrupt. Later with three daughters and a wife to support, he returned to Ohio State hoping to finish his baccalaureate degree. Jesse Owens has a memorial park that was made in honor of him. The park includes a museum, statue, 1936 torch replica, birth home replica and an oak tree of the same variety as Owens gold medal tree.
Sources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yNZFAmilppknocNJw39R-BrkI-gVzV_dALfa-4MY9Sw/edit?usp=sharing
Sources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yNZFAmilppknocNJw39R-BrkI-gVzV_dALfa-4MY9Sw/edit?usp=sharing
African American Women in Sports (A.E. & A.B.)
“Athletics was my flight to freedom: freedom from prejudice, freedom from illiteracy, freedom from bias. It was my acceptance in the world” (Willye White). For each of these five amazing African American women, sports brought at least one of these freedoms to them. They all were pioneers in their own ways, and for that they deserve to be remembered.
Widespread Athlete: Alice Coachman (1923- today)
Alice grew up in a time where there was still widespread opposition to women playing sport, let alone African American ones. Even Alice’s parents tried to push her into doing more ladylike sports, but she was determined to make history. She would run barefoot and on dirt paths close to her house to practice sprinting. Alice was the first African American women to win gold at the Olympics. She was also the only female American athlete to win a medal of any kind at these Olympics.
Alice grew up in a time where there was still widespread opposition to women playing sport, let alone African American ones. Even Alice’s parents tried to push her into doing more ladylike sports, but she was determined to make history. She would run barefoot and on dirt paths close to her house to practice sprinting. Alice was the first African American women to win gold at the Olympics. She was also the only female American athlete to win a medal of any kind at these Olympics.
2. Star Child: Althea Gibson (1927-2003)
When she was a child she was told African Americans don’t play tennis. She grew up in New York City (born in Charleston). She played every sport possible when she was growing up, but she was especially good at paddle tennis. A local tennis coach, Buddy Walker, noticed her talent and bought her a real tennis racket. Althea practiced on handball courts because there were not many tennis courts in her neighborhood of Harlem. However she practiced hard, determined to become successful. In 1950, she became the first African American to play in the U.S Open (age 23). In 1951, she was the first African American to play in the Wimbledon (age 24). In 1957 she won the women’s singles at the U.S Open and at the Wimbledon, she repeated these wins the following year (ages 30 and 31). Her efforts and overcoming of odds paved the way for future African American tennis players. “Gibson’s success at those ATA tournaments paved the way for her to attend college on a sports scholarship. She graduated from the school in 1953, but it was a struggle for her to get by. At one point, she even thought of leaving sports all together to join the U.S. Army. A good deal of her frustration had to do with the fact that so much of the tennis world was closed off to her.”
When she was a child she was told African Americans don’t play tennis. She grew up in New York City (born in Charleston). She played every sport possible when she was growing up, but she was especially good at paddle tennis. A local tennis coach, Buddy Walker, noticed her talent and bought her a real tennis racket. Althea practiced on handball courts because there were not many tennis courts in her neighborhood of Harlem. However she practiced hard, determined to become successful. In 1950, she became the first African American to play in the U.S Open (age 23). In 1951, she was the first African American to play in the Wimbledon (age 24). In 1957 she won the women’s singles at the U.S Open and at the Wimbledon, she repeated these wins the following year (ages 30 and 31). Her efforts and overcoming of odds paved the way for future African American tennis players. “Gibson’s success at those ATA tournaments paved the way for her to attend college on a sports scholarship. She graduated from the school in 1953, but it was a struggle for her to get by. At one point, she even thought of leaving sports all together to join the U.S. Army. A good deal of her frustration had to do with the fact that so much of the tennis world was closed off to her.”
3. Skeeter the Skitter: Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994)
Wilma Rudolph began her life on June 23, 1940 in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee. She was born prematurely and only weighed 4.5 pounds. Because of this, Wilma was ridden with diseases like polio in her early years. However, Wilma was determined to be a “normal kid”. By the time she was 9 she was walking, and at age 11 she developed a passion for basketball. She was a basketball star at her all black high school, and she even broke a state record for most points scored by a player in one game by scoring 49 points herself. The Tennessee State track coach, Ed Temple, noticed her quickness on the court and took her to a track camp. This was Wilma’s ticket to the 1956 Olympics, where she won bronze in a track event. In the 1960 Olympics, she won gold in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter women’s relay. When Wilma returned from these Olympics, there was a parade in her honor which was thought to be the first biracial event in her hometown’s history. She broke down racial barriers to make way for future African American women trackstars by making history in every stage of her life.
Wilma Rudolph began her life on June 23, 1940 in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee. She was born prematurely and only weighed 4.5 pounds. Because of this, Wilma was ridden with diseases like polio in her early years. However, Wilma was determined to be a “normal kid”. By the time she was 9 she was walking, and at age 11 she developed a passion for basketball. She was a basketball star at her all black high school, and she even broke a state record for most points scored by a player in one game by scoring 49 points herself. The Tennessee State track coach, Ed Temple, noticed her quickness on the court and took her to a track camp. This was Wilma’s ticket to the 1956 Olympics, where she won bronze in a track event. In the 1960 Olympics, she won gold in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter women’s relay. When Wilma returned from these Olympics, there was a parade in her honor which was thought to be the first biracial event in her hometown’s history. She broke down racial barriers to make way for future African American women trackstars by making history in every stage of her life.
4. Cotton Chopping Runner: Willye White (1939-2007)
Willye White began her passion for track and field events at the age of ten because it was the only way for her to escape the grueling daily work of chopping cotton. She would chop cotton for 12 hours and and got paid just $2.50 a day. Naturally, a person would want to have fun hobby if this was their daily life. White developed such a talent for track and field that she competed on every Olympic games from 1956 to 1972. Over the years, she won two silver medals and set seven national records in various events. She also won nine consecutive United States outdoor championships. Although there were many triumphs in Willye’s life, there were some downfalls in it too. She lived down the street from where Emmett Till was brutally murdered. Her cousin was once walking home at night when two white men came by and saw her. White’s cousin hid in some nearby cotton fields while the men searched for her. The men were out to kill. Despite these challenges Willye became a track and field role model for both her contemporaries, like Wilma Rudolph, and later track and field stars.
Willye White began her passion for track and field events at the age of ten because it was the only way for her to escape the grueling daily work of chopping cotton. She would chop cotton for 12 hours and and got paid just $2.50 a day. Naturally, a person would want to have fun hobby if this was their daily life. White developed such a talent for track and field that she competed on every Olympic games from 1956 to 1972. Over the years, she won two silver medals and set seven national records in various events. She also won nine consecutive United States outdoor championships. Although there were many triumphs in Willye’s life, there were some downfalls in it too. She lived down the street from where Emmett Till was brutally murdered. Her cousin was once walking home at night when two white men came by and saw her. White’s cousin hid in some nearby cotton fields while the men searched for her. The men were out to kill. Despite these challenges Willye became a track and field role model for both her contemporaries, like Wilma Rudolph, and later track and field stars.
Smarty Pants Slowe: Lucy Diggs Slowe (1885-1937)
Lucy Diggs Slowe lost both of her parents by the age of six and went to live with her Aunt Martha Price. She soon moved from Lexington, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland seeking greater life opportunity. At the age of 13, she entered the Baltimore segregated public school system. Proving to be an exemplary student, Slowe graduated from the Baltimore Colored School in 1904, becoming the first female graduate and the first scholarship recipient of the school to enter Howard University in Washington, D.C. After graduating as valedictorian from Howard, Lucy attended Columbia University’s Graduate School for the Arts. During this time and later years Slowe developed a talent for playing tennis. In 1917, she became the first African American to win a national title in any sport at the American Tennis Association national tournament in Baltimore. In her later life she became the Dean of Women at Howard University, and she helped to reform education for women of color across the country while holding that position. Lucy was a pioneer in changing the way the country perceived African American women in education and sports.
Lucy Diggs Slowe lost both of her parents by the age of six and went to live with her Aunt Martha Price. She soon moved from Lexington, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland seeking greater life opportunity. At the age of 13, she entered the Baltimore segregated public school system. Proving to be an exemplary student, Slowe graduated from the Baltimore Colored School in 1904, becoming the first female graduate and the first scholarship recipient of the school to enter Howard University in Washington, D.C. After graduating as valedictorian from Howard, Lucy attended Columbia University’s Graduate School for the Arts. During this time and later years Slowe developed a talent for playing tennis. In 1917, she became the first African American to win a national title in any sport at the American Tennis Association national tournament in Baltimore. In her later life she became the Dean of Women at Howard University, and she helped to reform education for women of color across the country while holding that position. Lucy was a pioneer in changing the way the country perceived African American women in education and sports.
In today’s world African American women are still making history, and facing discrimination, in the sports world. One of these women is named Michela De Prince, and she is from Sierre Leone, Africa. She survived a bomb that killed her parents. She was a orphaned and the was adopted with her sister. Michela knew that she wanted to be a dancer from a very young age. She started at the Rock School of Ballet. There she got the role of Clara in the Nutcracker, but before the show started they told her that the audience was not ready for a black Clara. She has not let that stop her today. She is now training JKO school at American Ballet Theater in New York City.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zYEU-ZyjMjOvCLcCxHGvFq6nLNveyG6KdhyQIEFnuNw/edit
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zYEU-ZyjMjOvCLcCxHGvFq6nLNveyG6KdhyQIEFnuNw/edit
Ernie Davis (A.B. and J.S.)
Ernie Davis was born on December 14th, 1939. Throughout his life, Ernie faced many challenges just to play sports. Also he faced medical and other challenges off the playing field.
• Ernie Davis beats out Ohio State fullback for the Heisman Trophy
While Ernie attended the University of Syracuse he broke many records and had done something that no other African-American football player had done, he won the Heisman Trophy as senior. In his sophomore year, Ernie led Syracuse to an undefeated season and its first and only Division 1-A National Championship. While Ernie was at Syracuse he dominated almost every team he played. As a sophomore he rushed for 686 yards on 98 carries and 10 touchdowns to break Jim Browns previously set records. Ernie beat out Bob Ferguson by 53 votes to win the twenty-seventh Heisman in 1961.(http://www.biography.com/people/ernie-davis-9267805#express-track-to-stardom&awesm=~oEf2wwLltyb0hI )
While Ernie attended the University of Syracuse he broke many records and had done something that no other African-American football player had done, he won the Heisman Trophy as senior. In his sophomore year, Ernie led Syracuse to an undefeated season and its first and only Division 1-A National Championship. While Ernie was at Syracuse he dominated almost every team he played. As a sophomore he rushed for 686 yards on 98 carries and 10 touchdowns to break Jim Browns previously set records. Ernie beat out Bob Ferguson by 53 votes to win the twenty-seventh Heisman in 1961.(http://www.biography.com/people/ernie-davis-9267805#express-track-to-stardom&awesm=~oEf2wwLltyb0hI )
• Ernie dealing with Racism
In 1960 Syracuse won the Cotton Bowl which was played in the South. It was announced that Ernie won the Cotton Bowl MVP. However, with the facility being segregated, Ernie was allowed to accept the award but he would have to leave immediately. Ernie and has team had other ideas. With Ernie not being allowed to accept his MVP award properly, him and his team decided to boycott the award ceremony. After Ernie won the Heisman Trophy many people thought that he was undeserving of the award. Feeling like something needed to be done about it President John F. Kennedy sent a telegram to Ernie saying “Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field, reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. It's a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. I salute you.”(President John F. Kennedy)
In 1960 Syracuse won the Cotton Bowl which was played in the South. It was announced that Ernie won the Cotton Bowl MVP. However, with the facility being segregated, Ernie was allowed to accept the award but he would have to leave immediately. Ernie and has team had other ideas. With Ernie not being allowed to accept his MVP award properly, him and his team decided to boycott the award ceremony. After Ernie won the Heisman Trophy many people thought that he was undeserving of the award. Feeling like something needed to be done about it President John F. Kennedy sent a telegram to Ernie saying “Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field, reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. It's a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. I salute you.”(President John F. Kennedy)
• The NFL
In 1962 Ernie did another thing that no other African-American had done. He was drafted first overall in the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. Originally Ernie was drafted by the Washington Redskins, but Ernie had requested a trade because he felt that he wouldn’t be safe playing in Washington. He was traded to Cleveland where another Syracuse Orangeman running back was. The Browns thought that they would be unstoppable running the ball because they had Jim Brown and had just gotten the best running back in the draft. However, Ernie would never play a regular season game for Cleveland.(http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80b75df1/article/ernie-davis-legacy-lives-on-long-after-his-death)
In 1962 Ernie did another thing that no other African-American had done. He was drafted first overall in the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. Originally Ernie was drafted by the Washington Redskins, but Ernie had requested a trade because he felt that he wouldn’t be safe playing in Washington. He was traded to Cleveland where another Syracuse Orangeman running back was. The Browns thought that they would be unstoppable running the ball because they had Jim Brown and had just gotten the best running back in the draft. However, Ernie would never play a regular season game for Cleveland.(http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80b75df1/article/ernie-davis-legacy-lives-on-long-after-his-death)
• Cancer Takes the Life of Ernie
Before Ernie’s rookie season in Cleveland he was diagnosed with an incurable form of leukemia cancer. Ernie took the diagnoses well. A teammate recalled that he never heard Ernie complain or that he never saw him disappointed that he was the one diagnosed. Ernie once wrote in a local newspaper that he wasn’t unlucky. He was actually okay with being diagnosed because it meant that he would get to prove people wrong again, that he could overcome cancer and succeed in the NFL. Unfortunately cancer thought different. On May 18th, 1963 Ernie died in Cleveland at the age of 23. Even though he never played for the Browns his legacy remains alive today. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Davis). (http://www.steele.lib.ny.us/famouselmira/ed_sat_eve_post.htm)
Before Ernie’s rookie season in Cleveland he was diagnosed with an incurable form of leukemia cancer. Ernie took the diagnoses well. A teammate recalled that he never heard Ernie complain or that he never saw him disappointed that he was the one diagnosed. Ernie once wrote in a local newspaper that he wasn’t unlucky. He was actually okay with being diagnosed because it meant that he would get to prove people wrong again, that he could overcome cancer and succeed in the NFL. Unfortunately cancer thought different. On May 18th, 1963 Ernie died in Cleveland at the age of 23. Even though he never played for the Browns his legacy remains alive today. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Davis). (http://www.steele.lib.ny.us/famouselmira/ed_sat_eve_post.htm)
• National Acknowledgements
Ernie was acknowledge many years after his death. At the University of Syracuse football stadium there is a large portrait of Ernie next to his name and the university retired his number 44. With JFK recognizing Ernie’s achievements on and off the field Ernie became a Civil Rights Movement icon. Ernie represented a hope for youth African-American athletes. He also helped many other blacks by showing his determination of not letting racism affect him as a person and an athlete.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Davis)
Ernie was acknowledge many years after his death. At the University of Syracuse football stadium there is a large portrait of Ernie next to his name and the university retired his number 44. With JFK recognizing Ernie’s achievements on and off the field Ernie became a Civil Rights Movement icon. Ernie represented a hope for youth African-American athletes. He also helped many other blacks by showing his determination of not letting racism affect him as a person and an athlete.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Davis)
• Ernie Davis’ Impact Today
Ernie has impacted sports in a very large way. Most players in the NFL now are predominately African-American. Not only have other black players won the Heisman Trophy but the only player to win it twice was African-American. His name is Archie Griffin of Ohio State University. He also has had his Cleveland Browns number 45 and Syracuse number 44 retired by both teams. Ernie has opened up all sports to African-Americans due to his hard work, dedication, and ability to handle what was happening during his playing era.(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GMFQV7ipgNgzmhR4Uc3-SXFW1iTVUcK-6_FhI8n8ENc/edit)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GMFQV7ipgNgzmhR4Uc3-SXFW1iTVUcK-6_FhI8n8ENc/edit?usp=sharing
Ernie has impacted sports in a very large way. Most players in the NFL now are predominately African-American. Not only have other black players won the Heisman Trophy but the only player to win it twice was African-American. His name is Archie Griffin of Ohio State University. He also has had his Cleveland Browns number 45 and Syracuse number 44 retired by both teams. Ernie has opened up all sports to African-Americans due to his hard work, dedication, and ability to handle what was happening during his playing era.(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GMFQV7ipgNgzmhR4Uc3-SXFW1iTVUcK-6_FhI8n8ENc/edit)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GMFQV7ipgNgzmhR4Uc3-SXFW1iTVUcK-6_FhI8n8ENc/edit?usp=sharing
Ernie Davis (S.T. & E.K)
Also known as the Elmira Express, Ernie Davis was an african american running back at Syracuse University. He suffered a lot of prejudice and racism during football, yet he stayed calm and cool. Davis gave many black americans hope at the time with his kind nature off the field and aggressiveness on the field.
- Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman trophy, and he was the first African American to be drafted first in the NFL draft. This made him a symbol of hope for many African Americans around the country. By winning the Heisman, Davis showed a symbol of hope to all who were colored. He showed a change in the country by winning. This was a huge turning point, one that shined a spotlight on a chance for change in the country (ESPN Classic).
- Davis was awarded MVP of the Cotton Bowl in 1960, yet the building where he would be presented the award was segregated. He and his three other black teammates were forced to leave after receiving the award. When Syracuse heard, they did not attend the award ceremony. Davis went through mountains of racism in the South, and even becoming the MVP of the national championship game did not let him stay in the segregated building. This was one of many ways that segregation prevailed in the South (Wikipedia).
- George Preston Marshall, the owner of the Washington Redskins, was a notorious racist and made the Redskins the last team to sign a black football player. He had the chance to draft Ernie Davis as the first pick in the NFL draft, yet he did not want to due to his skin color. Marshall said he wanted to “appeal to the southern market”, yet Washington D.C. threatened to revoke his 30-year lease on the football stadium there if he did not draft Davis. Upon drafting him, Davis immediately demanded a trade, so the Redskins traded Davis to the Browns for hall of fame running back Bobby Mitchell. This was another huge form of racism that Davis had to overcome (Biography.com).
- Ernie Davis was sluggish and slow in practice and in the college all-star game. He wasn't the same for a while through the practices. After the symptoms of bleeding gums and bloody noses, he was diagnosed with Acute Monocytic Leukemia. The disease proved incurable and Davis died on May 18, 1963. He was just 23 years old, but left a huge mark on society with his courage and composure, especially throughout the final stages of his life (World Book).
- In the motion picture The Express (based on Robert C. Gallagher’s book, Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express), it’s easy to see the courage and composure displayed by Ernie Davis (Rob Brown). For example, in the 1960 Cotton Bowl against The University of Texas, Ernie wanted to play and be a symbol of hope for all african americans, even though he knew it was dangerous. In trying to convince Coach Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid) to allow him to play, he used a group of african americans in the stands to explain that he needed to be a symbol of hope for them. Even with a hamstring injury and racist abuse on the field, Ernie finished out the game and became the Cotton Bowl MVP.A
Sources:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bagNvhxb9vRa6aNszNq1DDCwqbuyYEtW76zTwcH9rYE/edit?usp=sharing
Jack Johnson (C.K. & B.E.)
Racial Segregation was a dark time for the United States, and Jack Johnson was one of the few Blacks that stood out from others and showed that color did not matter. Johnson had stuck to his passion for boxing, and proved that the Negro was just as good as the White. Through Excruciating losses, and powerful victories, Jack made his way into some of the most important people in the Civil Rights Movement.
Growing up, Johnson didn’t exactly live the perfect life. Jack was born in Galveston, Texas, on March 31, 1878. Johnson was born the third child of nine, and the first son, of Henry and Tina Johnson. His parents, two former slaves who worked jobs as a janitor, and a dishwasher to support their children, worked to put them through what little schooling they had. Jack spent his teenage years working as a laborer on the docks of Galveston, Texas.
Johnson began boxing professionally in 1897, when it was a relatively new sport. Johnson was placed In an era of racial discrimination. African-Americans were allowed to enter many competitions, but were not permitted to compete for the title of world champion. Johnson made what little money he had by fighting in small competitions, or staging fights that were not always entirely legal. He would have to wait over 10 years to fight the World Champion.
Even after Johnson became a professional boxer, he still was prone to obstacles that Whites didn’t have to face. Because racial segregation was still common the US in the early 1900s, he would have to push for a fight against the reigning world heavyweight champion to fight for the world heavyweight title. Eventually, Jack worked his way into a fight against Tommy Burns of Canada. Burns, who had spent most of his fights being taunted from the sidelines by Johnson, was well prepared and confident for this fight. After 20,000 screaming fans watched Johnson relentlessly pound at Burns over 14 rounds, the police stepped in to stop the beating. Officials awarded the fight to Johnson on a technical knock-out, making him the first black heavyweight champion of the world.
The boxing authorities were shocked that Johnson had become champion and put incredible pressure on former heavyweight champion Jim Jeffries to come out of retirement. Jeffries' role was to be the so-called 'Great White Hope' to reclaim the title and show the strength of his race. In the fight of the century, Jeffries made his intentions clear: "I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that the white man is better than the Negro.” Jeffries was knocked out by Johnson in the 15th round of the fight. Johnson remained the first black world champion of the world.
Although Johnson became one of the most famous figures around the world, he did not always follow the rules. In 1913, Johnson was convicted (in what was considered a sham trial) of violating a federal law, the Mann Act of 1910, which outlawed the transportation of women across state lines for “imme\oral purpose." He was found to have traveled with his second wife, a former prostitute, across state lines before they were married. Johnson fled the country to avoid sentencing and didn’t return until 1920. After serving one year in prison, Johnson fought occasionally and appeared in carnival acts. Johnson wrote two memoirs, and he passed in an automobile accident in 1946.
Johnson continuously proved that the Negro was as good as the White, and worked his way up from a lousy laborer to the World Heavyweight Champion. Although he made some mistakes, he is still, to this day, considered to be one of the best heavyweight fighters of all time.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mqe2y6yDr2KerR59EPUC6ghE9WOryfk8tElqqgDCdlE/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mqe2y6yDr2KerR59EPUC6ghE9WOryfk8tElqqgDCdlE/edit?usp=sharing
Jack Johnson (T.E. & L.H.)
Jack Johnson was a famous African American boxer. He was born in Galveston, Texas. Segregation was not a problem where he lived, everyone was friendly in his part of town. He was the third kid of nine in a poor family, He had to “box” his way through his life.
Jack Johnson was the first African American boxer to win the heavyweight champion, by defeating Joe Choynski. He was a role model to all of the young African American kids, trying to fulfill their dreams of being a professional boxer. Not many whites approved of his winning, but he proved them all wrong. He was a famous boxer to both blacks and whites, even if they didn't like him.
Something you might not know about Jack is that he got married 7 times. All seven women were white, he did get a little criticism but not a lot. He wasn't afraid of what could happen if he married a white woman. If he loved that person, the color of their skin wouldn't change his opinion.
His overall record in his boxing career was -107 wins: 86 draws: 11 defeats: 10. He was a legend in his era in 1900’s. And was only a little taller than Six feet, and lost about 5% of his fights. His hardest contender was a black man named Frank Childs. Mr.Childs beat Johnson a few times in his early career. But when it came to the tourney, Mr.Johnson showed him who was boss.
Later in his career Segregation became a problem. Tension got real bad when Johnson faced a White man named James J. Jeffries. James J. Jeffiers was a well-known white boxer at the time. He challenged Johnson a fight, known as the “Fight of the century.” This fight brought 20,000 fans to the stadium. Johnson took the easy win, and got 65,000 dollars in return. After the fight, riots broke out in the streets of black neighborhoods around the country. Some states allowed it to happen, others did not. 20 people were killed and 100 were injured across the nation. Just because of the color of their skin, people were treated harshly.
Johnson got arrested right after the fight because prized fighting is illegal. Spent 23 days in jail. His personal life was different and he was an idol to all african americans. His personal life was different then other people. He lived to box. Although he was a great boxer he does not make the best decigions.
Johnson was a great fighter in his time. Even though he couldn't keep himself out of trouble, his heart was in the right place. He showed that African Americans could box too, and wasn't afraid to do so. Johnson was a role model to all the little black kids across the nation. Johnson was a great guy, and i’m glad I choose him for this project.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uZUOK6E1GfuGx2-WY4nfpbuTxvinX9oDubNQ1p1K1Ug/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uZUOK6E1GfuGx2-WY4nfpbuTxvinX9oDubNQ1p1K1Ug/edit?usp=sharing