Another Evolution of Texas article

[Phil C]

The next one is from the March 31, 2011 issue of The Portland News in Portland, Texas. It is a brief biography of the first Black Heavyweight boxer John Arthur Johnson (Born March 31, 1878, Died June 10, 1946). He was known as the Galveston Giant since he was born in Galveston, Texas. The article is dated March 31, 1878 and reads as follows:

"John Arthur Johnson, better known as Jack Johnson the first Black Heavyweight Boxing Championion of the World, was born in Galveston to Henry and Tina Johnson. He overcame numerous obstacles in his lifetime to earn the title on July 4, 1910. The first which was the circumstances of his birth. He was the second of six children born to poor parents who were former slaves. Johnson himself only had a fifth grade education. In 1900, the Galveston Hurricane destroyed his family's house. In addition, the very thing that Johnson loved doing and was innately talented at was illiagel in the State of Texas and in 1901 was arrested for boxing. Johnson left Galveston and began gaining recognition as a boxer, winning the Negro Heaveyweight Championship in 1903 and defeating "White Hope" competitor Jim Jeffries in 1910 to officially be named World Heavyweight Champion. The victory propelled his career but his fame turned to notoriety after Johnson was found guilty of violating the Mann Act, a law that prohibited the transportation of white women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. Despite serving a year in prison and living in an era when inter-racial relationships were denounced and very dangerous, Johnson
continued to pursue White women. He died in 1946 in a car accident in North Carolina."

You can get more information on him at Wikipedia.

[bobcat1]

Thanks for today's history lesson Phil!

[Phil C]

Originally posted by bobcat1
Thanks for today's history lesson Phil!

You are welcome bobcat. I read in Wikipedia that when he had his wreck he was driving fast and reckless because he was upset because they wouldn't let him eat where he wanted to because of his color. That was a tragedy.

[NastySlot]

James Earl Jones played Johnson in the Movie the Great White Hope.

[Phil C]

This is another one in the Portland News in the April 7, 2011 issue. The date is April 10, 1962 and the article reads as follows:

"The Colt .45's played the Chicago Cubs, making the introduction of major league baseball to the State of Texas. It was a great game for the eclectic team, who was comprised of players from an expansion draft in 1962. Four players came from San Francisco, four from Los Angeles, five joined the team from ST. Louis, three were drafted from Chicago, four from Pittisburg, two came from Philadelphia, three came to play ball in Houston from Milwaukee, and two joined the Colts from Cincinnati. Batters Bob Aspronmonte and Roman Mejias made indelible marks on the game and helped the Colt .45's beat the Cu bs 11-2 at Colt Stadium in Houston. The domeless, one-tiered stadium itself was built to accommodate the new team until the Astrodome, their domed stadium, was completed. It was a few years later and the Colt .45's played their final game at Colt Stadium on Sept. 27, 1964. The Colt .45's were subsequently renamed the Astros and in 1965, began playing in their new home, which was across the parking lot from their former one. The Colt .45's finished the 1962 season in eighth place with a 64-96 record."

[Phil C]

This season marks the 50th year for the Houston team. They have had some good teams and came close to getting to the World Series but have only reached it one time and unfortunately they have never won a World Series game as they were swept.