Rep. Pete King Discusses Irony of His Work Getting Jack Johnson Pardon Legislation Passed in Wake of Michael Jackson Comments
Legislation introduced by Rep. Pete King (R-NY) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) calling for a pardon for the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion, John Arthur “Jack” Johnson, passed the House unanimously on July 29, 2009. The resolution (S.Con.Res.29) calls for a posthumous pardon for the boxing legend, who was wronged with a racially-motivated conviction in 1913 under the Mann Act that prohibited taking women across state lines for “immoral purposes.” The resolution passed the Senate on June 25, 2009 before being sent to the House.
“I am thrilled that – after five years of struggle – my resolution to pardon Jack Johnson has passed both the House and the Senate in the same year, bringing us closer than ever to setting the record straight,” said Rep. Peter King. “Jack Johnson is a trailblazer and a legend, whose boxing career was cut short due to unjust laws and racial persecution. I urge the President to do the right thing and take the final step and grant his pardon.”
For more on the legislation click here.
King on the Issues
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