Jack Johnson
(1878-1946)
An athlete and inventor, Johnson initially achieved fame when he became the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion in 1908. Johnson was extremely confident about his capabilities, and defeated everyone he faced with ease. He also refused to be tied down by many of the racist “social rules” of his time. After retiring, he invented and patented an important mechanical tool that became known as the wrench.
Z. Mae Jimison
(1943-2008)
Z. Mae Jimison became the first African American to win the nomination of a major party for mayor of Indianapolis. In 1995 she was nominated to run against Republican incumbent Steve Goldsmith.
She was also the first Black woman to serve as a judge for the Marion County Superior Court, serving from 1988 to 1990. In addition, she was a member of the Indianapolis City-County Council from 1992 to 1995, and served another term as a county judge from 1996 to 2002. Many credit her for creating the Marion County’s drug court and presiding over her courts with fairness.
Black Trailblazers is a column that will highlight the significant contributions of African-Americans throughout February, Black History Month.
