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