“Fighters for Freedom” Across the Smithsonian: Jack Johnson’s Glove

Damion Thomas, curator of sports at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, answers the question, “What can this boxing glove tell us about Jack Johnson?” In 1908, Johnson became the first African American to win the heavyweight championship, a title he held until 1915. Drawing from a boxing glove in NMAAHC’s collection, Thomas examines how Johnson’s success had ramifications far beyond the boxing ring.
Artist William H. Johnson portrayed Jack Johnson in the painting “Boxers,” part of his “Fighters for Freedom” series in the mid-1940s. The series celebrates African American activists, scientists, teachers, performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. This video accompanies SAAM’s exhibition “Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice.” americanart.si.edu/exhibition...
William H. Johnson, “Boxers” americanart.si.edu/artwork/bo...
Boxing Glove Signed by Jack Johnson nmaahc.si.edu/object/nmaahc_2...