Andrew Kamenetzky: John McCain seeks posthumous pardon for Jack Johnson

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Arizona Sen. John McCain is lobbying to get a posthumous pardon for boxing legend Jack Johnson. The former heavyweight champ was convicted in 1913 for violating the Mann Act, which outlawed the transportation of women across state lines for immoral purposes. By all accounts, Johnson was mostly ‘guilty’ of being involved with a white woman, and the charges, along with his 10-month jail stint, were shamefully and transparently motivated by racism.

‘When we couldn’t beat him in the ring, the white power establishment decided to beat him in the courts,’ Ken Burns told the Associated Press in a telephone interview. Burns’ 2005 documentary, ‘Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson,’ examined Johnson’s case and the sentencing judge’s admitted desire to ‘send a message’ to black men about relationships with white women.

Ugly times, for sure.

Johnson’s attempt to resurrect his career after prison was unsuccessful, and he eventually died in a 1946 car crash at 68.

Hopefully, McCain’s efforts will gather steam and Johnson will receive his pardon. I’m often ambivalent about actions heavier on symbolism than clear objective. For an example along the lines of Johnson’s situation, I would offer the government’s formal apology for slavery and the Jim Crow era. The notion of remorse being expressed isn’t the issue. It absolutely should be felt, as that period will probably remain our country’s most embarrassing from now until the end of time.

But as far as what that blanket apology truly ‘means,’ (and, more importantly, accomplishes), I’m not quite sure. Who benefits and how? Does anyone really take anything away from it? Does anyone walk away feeling better? That gesture smacks, at least to me, of ‘appeasement,’ but not much more. Maybe I can’t fully comprehend the apology’s impetus as neither a descendant of slaves nor slave owners (my family first entered the U.S. well after slavery was abolished), but that resolution by the House of Representatives felt fairly hollow. And considering the importance often placed on such contrition (whether by those offering or receiving it), that emptiness doesn’t sit well with me.

In pardoning Johnson, however, a specific name, face and misgiving of justice is extended atonement. That doesn’t change the past or make up for the atrocities Johnson endured, but I think this act carries more potential to affect people on a tangible level. Maybe it’s because there’s a specific incident to examine. Maybe it’s because I’ve long been interested in Johnson’s story. At the very least, his family can perhaps gain some comfort. Whatever the case, I’m rooting for a pardon and hope those possessing the power to make it happen share my opinion.

In any event, if you haven’t seen Burns’ documentary, it’s well worth a viewing. And for another -- albeit more abstract -- perspective on Johnson, give a listen to Miles Davis’ ‘The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions.’ Davis was both a huge boxing fan and an outspoken critic of American race relations, thus it’s no surprise Johnson’s story would inspire the music icon. The songs were an effort to fuse jazz, rock and politics and, as evidenced by this clip, probably won’t please all ears. But Davis’ emotion and energy are hard to miss (as one might expect, given the subject matter).

-- Andrew Kamenetzky