I thought this was a pretty interesting article considering that we just saw a documentary about the life of Jack Johnson and the struggle for African American gentlemen back in the early 1900's. Basically, in 1913, Jack Johnson was convicted for violating the Mann Act because he took his white girlfriend across state boarders for "immoral purposes." Sadly, he was put up against an all white jury and lost the case and was imprisoned for a year. It seemed like this law was implemented to prevent prostitution but only was enforced against people of African American race. In 2016, both senators Harry Reid and John McCain petitioned the Obama administration to pardon Johnson because it was the 70th anniversary of Johnson's death but it didn't seem to gain much attention. It was then brought up again now in the Trump administration and Trump tweeted his thoughts about it. Obviously it wouldn't do much for Jack Johnson now but I am curious to hear your thoughts on it. Would it be good to see Trump pardoning Jack Johnson or should he focus on other issues going on right now instead (like I see in a lot of hate filled twitter responses).
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It might seem trivial, but to me it just shows one more step for America in combating all the instituionalized racism we've had in this country for years. Even if it is done by Trump of all people, it's still a step in the right direction. I'm definitely in favor of it.
ReplyDeleteIt would take such a small amount of time and effort on his part and I think it's a great thing to do and for the people in this country to see. Sure Johnson wouldn't see it but thats not really what it's about, it's about righting the wrongs and admitting to things like that and showing the country has changed.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem quite trivial, especially with Jack Johnson already being dead and all, but it's a very small and easy thing to do and would be a step in the right direction for America.
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