H.R. No. 835



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to pay 
tribute to the life of Lone Star native John Arthur "Jack" Johnson 
of Galveston, the first African American to win the world 
heavyweight boxing championship, for his immense talent and 
courage; and
	WHEREAS, Born March 31, 1878, Mr. Johnson became interested 
in boxing as a teenager while working at a local gymnasium; after 
sharpening his skills, this gifted athlete fought more than 100 
fights in three decades, posting fewer than a dozen losses against 
fearsome competition; and
	WHEREAS, At a time when other recognized American boxers 
refused to meet him in the ring because of his color, Mr. Johnson 
initially competed overseas, defeating Canadian Tommy Burns in 
Australia in 1908 to become heavyweight champion of the world; his 
bout two years later against fellow American Jim "The Great White 
Hope" Jeffries has been called one of the greatest boxing matches of 
all time, and ended with Mr. Johnson scoring a knockout in the 15th 
round; and
	WHEREAS, He successfully defended his title against such 
other formidable challengers as Stanley Ketchel and Jim Flynn, 
holding the heavyweight crown until 1915, and continued to 
participate in exhibition matches as late as 1945; and
	WHEREAS, Already a hero for saving lives during the deadly 
Galveston hurricane in 1900, Mr. Johnson demonstrated personal 
courage again in World War I; he was in Spain when the United States 
entered the war, and he immediately contacted the United States 
Embassy in Madrid to offer his services to his country; his 
involvement in the region's military intelligence operations 
helped to prevent German U-boat crews from infiltrating the Spanish 
coast; and
	WHEREAS, The life of this talented and often controversial 
man has been chronicled by award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken 
Burns, who has brought a fresh perspective to the unique story of 
Jack Johnson, while also creating awareness of the important role 
that he played in the evolution of boxing; and
	WHEREAS, Jack Johnson was tragically killed in a car crash in 
1946, and his death was keenly felt by many people; one of the Lone 
Star State's greatest athletes, he was immortalized in 1954 when he 
was posthumously inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, and he will 
long be remembered for his incredible legacy of achievements; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 31, 2005, as Jack A. Johnson Day 
and encourage all Texans to learn more about this remarkable 
champion.

                                                                          Eiland

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 835 was adopted by the House on March 
31, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House