Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

In 'Unforgivable Blackness,' Geoffrey C. Ward vividly brings to life the most celebrated and reviled African American of his age, Jack Johnson. Born into poverty in the Jim Crow South, Johnson battled his way to the top, becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. His refusal to conform to the racial norms of the time, coupled with his flamboyant lifestyle, made him a target of both admiration and intense scrutiny. The federal government even sought to destroy him, leading to his imprisonment and exile. This definitive biography portrays Johnson as a complex figure who fought against bigotry and embodied American individualism./n/nWard's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring Johnson's story to life, offering a compelling look at a man who challenged the status quo and lived life on his own terms. The book not only chronicles Johnson's rise to fame and his struggles against racial discrimination but also provides a broader context of the societal and political climate of the early 20th century. It's a story of resilience, defiance, and the enduring spirit of a man who refused to be defined by the color of his skin.