The Untold Story of Jack Johnson - (First But Forgotten) by Elliott Smith

Book Synopsis

You may have heard about Muhammad Ali. But long before Ali entered the ring, Black boxer Jack Johnson was winning bouts and challenging ideas about race. With key biographical information and related historical events, this Capstone Captivate book uncovers Jack Johnson's story and how his life and career demonstrate the challenges of being Black, talented, and famous in the United States. Dive into the First but Forgotten series to read rarely told stories from history.

Review Quotes

Before Cesar Chavez organized farm workers, A. Philip Randolph was instrumental in unionizing Pullman workers. One year before the Dred Scott decision, a slave in California was able to obtain her freedom. Jack Johnson preceded Joe Louis as a successful Black boxer and Mary ­Golda Ross was the first Indigenous woman to receive a degree in aeronautical engineering and then work for NASA. These brief biographies introduce significant leaders who were overshadowed by those who came later. The focus is primarily on their respective accomplishments with little mention of personal lives. However, their achievements, often against the odds, paved the way for the accomplishments of others. Bridget Mason's story is ­especially inspiring as she employed her freedom and midwifery skills to obtain wealth for herself and her family. Photographs accompany the texts. The narratives are readable and informative, and they provide stories about forgotten ­pioneers. ­VERDICT There is little out there on these significant ­trailblazers and these titles should be added to ­collections.--Margaret Nunes, formerly Gwinnet County PL, GA "School Library Journal"