PBS - Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns directs and produces this documentary series about boxing legend Jack Johnson. UNFORGIVABLE BLACKNESS: THE RISE AND FALL OF JACK JOHNSON explores in great detail the life and struggle of one of the most remarkable African Americans of the 20th century. Despite undeniable talent, Johnson had to fight for his freedom, in his work and in his personal life. Even after becoming the first African American Heavyweight Champion of the World, Johnson still struggled with the injustices inherent in being a black American male in the first half of the 20th century. Samuel L. Jackson provides the voice of Jack Johnson, with additional voiceovers by Billy Bob Thornton, and Ed Harris among others. The documentary features narration by Keith David, of Burns' critically acclaimed JAZZ series, as well as a brilliant soundtrack by distinguished jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.