This Week In Black History

* Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion of the world, was born in Galveston, TX, on this day. Johnson had boxed for several years before he had the opportunity to contend for a title bout. White boxers had refused to fight him.

Finally, in 1908, Johnson fought reigning champion Tommy Bums. He defeated Burns on December 26, 1908, making him the first Black heavyweight champion. During his professional boxing career, which spanned more than 30 years, Johnson had 113 fights with 78 wins-44 knockouts and 34 by decision. He died June 10, 1946, in a car accident.

* April 2, 1984--

Georgetown University won the NCAA championship when the Hoyas beat the University of Houston on this day. The victory made John Thompson the first Black coach ever to win an NCAA Division I basketball title.

April 4, 1874--

Isaac S. Hathaway, sculptor and ceramist, was born in Lexington, KY, on this day. He studied in the art department of the New England Conservatory of Music and the ceramics department of Pittsburgh Normal College. For many years, he was the head of the ceramics department at Alabama State University. One of his greatest contributions was the designing of the Booker T. Washington half-dollar and the George Washington Carver half-dollar. His works are to be found all over the United States and in the Sorbonne University in Paris. Hathaway also produced over 100 busts of prominent Blacks.