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"Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise And Fall Of Jack Johnson," a two-part film by Ken Burns, chronicles the life and career of boxer Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight champion and one of the greatest fighters of the 20th century.
Johnson ultimately lost his title in a bout in Cuba in 1915, after fleeing the United States following his federal conviction for allegedly violating the Mann Act, a progressive-era law intended to crackdown on commercialized vice but used against Johnson to create an example against, to quote the prosecutor, "the evils of miscegenation."
About Johnson's Life:
- On May 24, 2018, 105 years after being convicted of violating the Mann Act, Jack Johnson was posthumously pardoned
- Learn about the Mann Act, which Johnson was arrested under
- Follow Johnson's life and career with this interactive timeline
- Learn about Johnson's early life and career
Additional film clips: "The Jim Crow Era" and "Speeding Tickets"
Watch On Your Schedule:
The film is available to watch on demand with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Originally aired in 2005.
Credits:
A film directed by Ken Burns. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward. Produced by David Schaye, Paul Barnes and Ken Burns. Edited by Paul Barnes (Episode One), Erik Ewers (Episode Two). Cinematograhy: Buddy Squires and Stephen Mccarthy. Original music composed by Wynton Marsalis. Associate Producer: Susanna Steisel. Coordinating Producer: Pam Tubridy Baucom. Narrated by Keith David. Voice of Johnson: Samuel L. Jackson.
