Ep 11. Unforgivable Blackness: Part 2

Unforgivable Blackness: Part 2 is the 11th episode of Ken Burns: America season 1. This episode follows the life story of Jack Johnson, a trailblazing African American boxer who defied racial barriers both inside and outside of the ring. The episode delves deeper into Johnson's controversial reign as the first black heavyweight boxing champion and the struggles he faced as a result of his race.

The episode begins by chronicling Johnson's extravagant lifestyle and his love for fast cars, luxurious mansions, and beautiful women. Despite his success, Johnson was still subject to racism and discrimination. The episode shows how white society, particularly the government, was eager to find a white boxer who could defeat Johnson and strip him of his title.

Johnson also faced tremendous backlash from the media, with newspapers and magazines publishing derogatory articles about him. The episode explores how Johnson's relationships with white women, which were considered taboo at the time, became a major point of criticism and condemnation from the media and society at large.

The episode further discusses Johnson's proclivity for challenging white boxers and how he often took on opponents who were physically larger and stronger than he was. In doing so, he proved himself as a skilled and strategic boxer, but also earned the ire of white society.

Unforgivable Blackness: Part 2 also examines the legal troubles Johnson faced, including multiple criminal charges and a highly-publicized conviction for violating the Mann Act, which prohibited "transporting women across state lines for immoral purposes." The episode investigates the ways in which Johnson was targeted and punished by the government for his rebellious and unapologetic behavior.

Throughout the episode, Ken Burns incorporates archival footage, photographs, and interviews with historians and Johnson's family members to contextualize Johnson's life and legacy. The episode ultimately concludes by exploring Johnson's lasting impact on boxing and American society, both as a symbol of black pride and a reminder of the ongoing struggles for racial equality.

Unforgivable Blackness: Part 2 is a powerful and complex exploration of a figure who defied the societal norms of his time and paid dearly for it. The episode is a must-watch for fans of history, sports, and social justice issues, and offers a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and confronting systemic racism and prejudice.