Long before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier, boxer Jack Johnson became the first African-American to obtain the world heavyweight title. This documentary tracks the life of the trailblazing boxer, from his early days as the son of former slaves to his rise through the ranks of a traditionally all-white sport, culminating with the 39-year-old’s achievement of the prestigious title in 1908.
Cast: Keith David, Stanley Crouch, Samuel L. Jackson, James Earl Jones, Jack Newfield, Alan Rickman
Director: Ken Burns
Genres: Documentary, Biographical Documentaries, Sports Documentaries, Boxing Documentaries, African-American Documentaries
#boxing #jackjohnson #boxingworld #boxinglife #boxinghype #boxingislife #boxingfans #boxingnews #JacksMedia
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38 Comments
jesus as soon as they started talking about his love for speeding in those old death traps I knew it wouldn't end well
King Kong of 1933 was based on Jack Johnson
four hours damn i could run a marathon
3:44 why are his eyes sometimes red?
Red spots on his eyes.
for years….I would visit friends in Wrigleyville…and would visit Graceland Cemetary…for a visit of the rich and historic of Chicago…just a pleasant day before attending a game at WRigleyville. Near the entrance of Graceland…was the simple grave marker of Jack Johnson…I would always leave a flower for this ignored/forgotten great man….may he rest in peace…and IF you visit Graceland (before a Cubs game)….leave a flower …and a prayer
“Ghost in the house!!” I’ll remember that when I need some inspiration.
A
I’m an American, from Mexican descent.
I’ve faced some racism growing up, and I knew just from others and from things you see on tv that here in America, racism is real.
But, I never knew how racist people were. I never knew how much racism is in American history.
And it’s insane how many Anglo Americans (White people) claim and believe if you’re white, you a “real” American. And if you’re not, you’re not an American. Smh
The ignorance of people.
Every single one of you White people and Black people or whomever watching this epic documentary remember: This was over 115 years ago. 98.6% of white people aren't racist in America today. And see people's actions over thier skin color. Also: 100% of Black people are truly free. We had the first black PRESIDENT the first black Senators, Governors, Mayors, Billionaires and millionaires- it is the vile head of Racism that perpetuates inequality among the races by white liberals who want it to persist in the minds of all black people. Ever notice that Blacks like Booker T. Washington are hated among society? Keep in mind Racism is dead among Americans- its kept on life support by evil, power hungry fools that brainwash the masses to utter futility. ( And by the way- Trump gave him a full pardon and apology from the American government )
That is the worst credits roll in the history of cinema.
Good on you JACK JOHNSON.
You are a real roll model to dignity to one self. Love your self no matter what the world throws at you.
You're name will always be know in history.
Diassqpointed fo hear Jack Dempsey was a racist. What an arsehole.
Funny how he'd never give a black man a chance at the title ? Money v Principles I guess $$$'s. Jackie Robinson would play with black and white, Joe Louis would fight black and white ! I read the book of the same name years ago and remember the film with James Earl Jones. Love the old time boxers.
A life lived to the full. What a great documentary.
This is the best documentary on boxing I've seen.
You need to do more videos like this… great watch
Why was he called the galveston giant when he was only 6'0" ? That's not that tall.
Read a book on Jack Johnson’s life many years ago… what a man. And to listen to this years later feels me with that same feeling of being introduced to someone quite amazing. And I mean amazing in the true sense of the word, not how it’s mentioned now a days.
Not being racist but if they were treated bad in someone else’s country why not go back to there own country and develop that. Every place in the world has to start from scratch so why can’t Africans? Hope this don’t seem racist just so t understand why if they were getting treated bad they just didn’t go back to there country? Great boxer! Ali went through not much different
Wow !! black man beating all odds in a society that was anti black
Movie would be nice
On "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" the 500k question was: Who was the first black heavyweight champion of the world" I was screaming at the TV. Unfortunately the guy didn't know and didn't want to guess. Man I wish I was in the chair. Probably wouldn't have made it that far as couldn't answer some of the earlier questions!! Great documentary, especially hearing about the speeding fine! zero fucks . Brilliant
White people are so butthurt and insecure
He must be the bravest man that ever lived. What a legend.
Poor Jack Johnson racests black and white moralizing, clearly he was an awesome fighter !! Demonized like sonny listen
46:50 Burns was tiny. Like Middle weight. 170 lbs and 5 foot 7. Of course Jack was too much for him.
1:43:30
Religion was ALWAYS been on the wrong side.
how come marvin Hart was champ two years and didn't fight Johnson nobody said he ducked him and why.
Jack johnson was a legend in Is time born before is time in a world 🌎 not full with justic or truths as ever man or women is made in God image and born Free they was against him for is color of is skin he was ahead of them.all in is thinking and turn it all around as Truth is truth ( EXCELLENT ) STUFF !!! JACK JOHNSON !!!
NO MORE LIES POSITIVE MINDS..
43:29
The greatest boxing documentary I’ve ever watched and I’m not half way through yet!!
This was a fantastic watch.
Thanks so much for uploading.
Truly one of the greatest..
Champ Jack Johnson who lived life his way…
I loved this film
They have not invented the words to describe how mentally strong Jack Johnson had to be to be able to survive let alone thrive in the boxing world in those days. Imagine in the early 1900s with the evil klu klu klan going for weekly rides, he took orders from no man. He even barked back. It’s unfair to judge boxers from the past by today’s standard. From what I have seen and read , he was a superb intelligent boxer. Respect is due to Mr. Jack Johnson.
What a legend this guy was crazy 😂😂😂
I remember watching this on satellite tv a few years ago and it made me cry how they treated this man and all black people , I’m delighted it’s on here so I can now show my son , Ken burns is always great too , his other documentaries on prohibition and the Wild West were great too , a gifted narrator