Not basketball by any stretch, but I know there are some history buffs here. Wanted to share this documentary that really, really enjoyed.
Jack Johnson was the heavyweight champion of the world during a era where that was just about the biggest thing going in sports aside from baseball.
What makes this truly compelling is that he was the first black champion during a time when mainstream America did not want a black champion..to say the least.
He also didn't give a f*ck, and he lived his life as he wanted - in a big way.
What also amazed me was the fact that there is outstanding video of his fights - This was 1910!
Plus..I swear I'd watch a documentary about a turd if Ken Burns did it..
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Some browsers won't open Daily Motion, but I had no problem watching on my phone or my home computer. Took my a few evenings, but well worth it IMHO!
If anybody is a history dork like me and catches this, I'd love to hear about your reactions to it. For me it was one of those things you watch and think about it still days later.
Jack Johnson was the heavyweight champion of the world during a era where that was just about the biggest thing going in sports aside from baseball.
What makes this truly compelling is that he was the first black champion during a time when mainstream America did not want a black champion..to say the least.
He also didn't give a f*ck, and he lived his life as he wanted - in a big way.
What also amazed me was the fact that there is outstanding video of his fights - This was 1910!
Plus..I swear I'd watch a documentary about a turd if Ken Burns did it..
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Some browsers won't open Daily Motion, but I had no problem watching on my phone or my home computer. Took my a few evenings, but well worth it IMHO!
If anybody is a history dork like me and catches this, I'd love to hear about your reactions to it. For me it was one of those things you watch and think about it still days later.
