U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 10

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily Black History Month feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10: JACK JOHNSON

Profile America for the 10th day of Black History Month.  In 1908, Jack Johnson knocked out Tommy Burns in a fight in Sydney Australia — to become the first African-American World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.   The win inflamed racism in the early part of the century, and caused riots in many U.S. cities.  Johnson, from Galveston, Texas, went on to fight a number of challengers, including retired champion James Jeffries in a match called "the fight of the century." Out of the ring, Johnson had a high-profile, controversial lifestyle that kept him in the public eye. In over 100 bouts he scored in 79 wins, 8 losses and 46 knockouts.  Today, more than 11 million people annually attend boxing matches across the U.S.  You can find these and more facts about African-Americans on the web at www.census.gov.  

Sources: espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014275.html

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 1209

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  For further information, contact Rick Reed:  301-763-2812; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail: rreed-at-census.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau