1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 527 1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in 1-3 paying tribute to the life of Jack A. Johnson, the first 1-4 African-American world heavyweight boxing champion and a great 1-5 patriot of our country; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Jack Johnson was born in Galveston in 1878; his 1-7 outstanding boxing career had its beginnings when he travelled about 1-8 the country as a young man, sparring with veteran boxers; he spent 1-9 time in the boxing gyms of New York, Chicago, and Boston; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Jack Johnson first became a hero to all Americans 1-11 when he fought for and won the world heavyweight championship in 1-12 December of 1908 in Sydney, Australia; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson held the championship title for seven 1-14 years and was famous for his flawless boxing and near perfect 1-15 defense; he fought in 113 matches and lost only six; and 1-16 WHEREAS, A man of courage and patriotism, Jack Johnson 1-17 was in Spain during World War I when the United States declared 1-18 war on Germany, and he quickly volunteered to serve his country; 1-19 Mr. Johnson became active in military intelligence and played an 1-20 important role in helping to stop the German submarine crews from 1-21 landing on the coast of Spain; and 1-22 WHEREAS, In 1946, Jack Johnson died tragically in an 1-23 automobile accident, and our state and nation mourned the loss of 1-24 this heroic figure and outstanding citizen; Mr. Johnson was inducted 2-1 posthumously into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954; now, therefore, 2-2 be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-4 76th Legislature, hereby declare March 31, 1999, as Jack A. Johnson 2-5 Day in honor of and in memory of this distinguished citizen and 2-6 exceptional athlete; and, be it further 2-7 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an 2-8 expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. 2-9 Jackson 2-10 ______________________________________ 2-11 President of the Senate 2-12 I hereby certify that the above 2-13 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-14 on March 30, 1999. 2-15 ______________________________________ 2-16 Secretary of the Senate 2-17 ______________________________________ 2-18 Member, Texas Senate