JOHNSON, JACK SIGNED PHOTO (CIRCA 1909-PSA/DNA AUTHENTICATED)

HISTORY: John Arthur Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), nicknamed the Galveston Giant, was an American boxer who, at the height of the Jim Crow era, became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion (1908-1915). Among the period's most dominant champions, Johnson remains a boxing legend, with his 1910 fight against James J. Jeffries dubbed the "fight of the century". According to filmmaker Ken Burns, "for more than thirteen years, Jack Johnson was the most famous and the most notorious African-American on Earth". Transcending boxing, he became part of the culture and the history of racism in America. In 1912, Johnson opened a successful and luxurious "black and tan" (desegregated) restaurant and nightclub, which in part was run by his wife, a white woman. Major newspapers of the time soon claimed that Johnson was attacked by the government only after he became famous as a black man married to a white woman, and was linked to other white women. Johnson was arrested on charges of violating the Mann Act forbidding one to transport a woman across state lines for "immoral purposes," a racially motivated charge that embroiled him in controversy for his relationships, including marriages, with white women. There were also allegations of domestic violence. Sentenced to a year in prison, Johnson fled the country and fought boxing matches abroad for seven years until 1920 when he served his sentence at the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth. Johnson was posthumously pardoned by President Donald Trump in May 2018, 105 years after his conviction. Johnson continued taking paying fights for many years, and operated several other businesses, including lucrative endorsement deals. In his illustrious career Jack Johnson posted victories over James Jeffries, Tommy Burns, Joe Jeannette, Stanley Ketchel, Al Kaufman, and Frank Moran before losing his title in 1915 to Jess Willard. Johnson died in a car crash on June 10, 1946, at the age of 68. He is buried at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. Offered here is a rare, original, first generation photo of Jack Johnson, circa 1909, which he has signed. Authenticated by PSA/DNA.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, first generation photo of a smiling Jack Johnson as world heavyweight champion. Inscribed in fountain pen, "To Cal Yours Truly Jack Johnson." The inscription is slightly light, but perfectly readable. Tiny pin holes at top border. Clean front and back with no staining. Small crease at the upper right corner. Minor edge wear. Photograph is circa 1909 when Johnson was world heavyweight champion. 7 1/2" x 9." Exceedingly rare, signed from that era. Authenticated by PSA/DNA with their label and full letter (PSA # AG04361).