Symbolic Pardons
By LMReviews on Apr 14, 2009 in Multicultural Contributors, Multicultural Events, Multicultural History, Multicultural Media
photo courtesy of Library of Congress (Flickr)
Ironically, on April 1st, I came across an article about Arizona Senator John McCain’s mission to see the first African American World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Johnson, pardoned for his alleged violation of the Mann Act in 1913. The Mann Act which made it illegal to transport women in interstate or foreign commerce i.e. prostitution, debauchery or any other illegal purpose.
What activity did Johnson engage in to bring about a conviction? It was his frequent romantic association with white prostitutes. At least two white former prostitutes were documented as his traveling companions during his successful boxing career. He also married another white woman, Etta Duryea, but their marriage was troubled and she committed suicide. Johnson, a widower, took up with another white woman, a former prostitute, when he was charged with violating the Mann Act.
Johnson constantly defied the era in which he emerged. First, by pursuing the World Heavyweight Championship title, an honor thought only worthy of talented white boxers. His earning of the title sparked riots and debate of its authenticity for many years. When he could not be restricted professionally, he was prosecuted for his personal relationships causing him to flee the country. He later returned and served his sentence.
While many at the time and even to this day view the case as a cover-up for society’s discontent regarding interracial relationships, now that Jack Johnson and those who prosecuted him have passed on, what true purpose would it serve to issue a posthumous pardon? Will later generations always be burdened with the task of righting the misdeeds of our forefathers?
