BHT - Jack Johnson Photo Tee

"I made a lot of mistakes out of the ring, but I never made any in it."

Jack Johnson never saw life as black and white. As a boxer, Johnson entered the ring at the height of the Jim Crow era and went on to become the first black world heavyweight boxing champion. As a personality, Johnson was larger than life, living firmly by his own set of rules and taking pride in bending the rules society would try to impose upon him. Despite the oppression that defined his era, Johson married a white woman and flaunted an uncommonly lavish lifestyle. His fine clothes, extravagant parties, and international celebrity made him an aspirational hero to many in his community but threatened the asceticism that came along with segregation.

His affinity for pushing boundaries extended into business as well. In July of 1912 - a time when few African Americans owned businesses - Johnson opened an interracial nightclub in Chicago called Café de Champion. The opening of Cafe de Champion was a cause for celebration in Chicago’s African-American community, and it was said that almost all of Chicago’s black residents attended the launch party.

If society wouldn’t create a space where his community could feel included and welcome, Jack would do it himself. In fact, that’s how he did almost everything. He won at life the same way he won in the ring; by confidently taking matters into his own hands. And in doing so he paved the way for the next generation of athletes turned business owners - like Sugar Ray Robinson, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali - to live life loudly, create different rings to enter, and more important fights to win.

Officially licensed by Jack Johnson.

DETAILS

• Made in the USA
• 100% Cotton
• Color of actual product may vary from photo
• Wash with cold water
• Hang to dry
• Model is 5'10" and wearing size M

SHIPPING/RETURNS

• Allow up to 3 to 5 business days for order processing
• Sale items can be exchanged for a different size in the same style only
• No refunds or store credits will be issued for sale or discounted items
• Purchaser is responsible for any applicable duty charges
• Items may be delivered via separate shipments