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The Teamsters and the Joint Association of Boxers (JAB) have called upon President George W. Bush to grant former heavyweight champion of the world, Jack Johnson, a full pardon.

As the first African American heavyweight champion of the world, Johnson has earned the respect of fighters and fans alike for his courage and determination both in and outside the ring. During the height of Johnson’s career, he was convicted under the Mann Act for transporting a white woman across state lines. Although the arbitrary nature of his conviction is well documented in history, his conviction has served to push his legacy to near obscurity.

Representative Peter King (R-NY) has introduced H.CON.RES. 24, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the President should grant a posthumous pardon to John Arthur 'Jack' Johnson for the 1913 racially motivated conviction of Johnson, which diminished his athletic, cultural, and historic significance, and tarnished his reputation.

The Teamsters Union is reaching out to Members of the House of Representatives and asking them to sign on as cosponsors of Rep. King's resolution. At this time, four Representatives have already signed on: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL), Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), and Rep. Ron Paul (D-TX). We need your help to encourage additional Representatives to help cosponsor this legislation. Act now to contact your Congressperson to ask them to co-sponsor H.CON.RES. 24!