Today is Sunday, July 4th, 2021.

On this day in 1910, Jack Johnson defended his heavyweight boxing title from former champ Jim Jeffries.

Johnson's victory sparked retaliation and racial violence across the U.S., leaving dozens dead.

Welcome to Today in True Crime, a Spotify original from Parcast.

Due to the graphic nature of today's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of

violence and racism that some people may find disturbing. Extreme caution is advised for listeners

under 13. Today we're covering the day Jack Johnson, the world's first black heavyweight champion,

beat Jim Jeffries, as well as the violence that followed.

Let's go back to Reno, Nevada on Independence Day, 1910.

On the day of the big match, the original fight of the century, a white man approached 32-year-old Jack Johnson. Despite Johnson's

massive frame and fire engine arms, the white man was backed by his buddies, all fanning themselves

with their derby hats in the 110-degree heat. The men told Johnson that if he even came close to winning the fight that day,

he wouldn't live to see the sunset. Johnson just sneered. He reportedly told the white

man that they might as well hang him then, because nothing was going to stop him from knocking

his opponent down. Nothing ever stopped Johnson, the son of former

slaves. He grew up in Galveston, Texas. Johnson got his start in fighting by participating in

battle royals. The fights, often held between black boys and young men, were organized for the

entertainment of high-class society.

Even then, Johnson was always the last man standing. As an adult, he made mincemeat out of black

and white boxers alike on the professional circuit. He wanted the heavyweight championship title

more than anything in the world.

...