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Jack Johnson and his first wife
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Jack Johnson and his first wife
Jack Johnson (1878-1946), American boxer and first African American heavyweight boxing champion, pictured with his first wife, Etta Terry Duryea, who he had married in January 1911. A Brooklyn socialite and former wife of businessman Charles Duryea, she met Johnson at a car race in 1909. Their romantic involvement was allegedly very turbulent. Beaten many times by Johnson and suffering from severe depression, she committed suicide in September 1912, shooting herself with a revolver. The Tatler reported on the story calling it a tragedy in black and white. Date: 1912
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Media ID 14128366
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Boxer Boxers Boxing Champion Heavyweight Jack Johnson Mixed Pugilism Pugilist Pugilists Socialite Terry Duryea
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This poignant photograph captures Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion of the world, with his first wife, Etta Terry Duryea. The image was taken in 1912, just over a year into their tumultuous marriage. Etta, a Brooklyn socialite and former wife of businessman Charles Duryea, met Johnson at a car race in 1909. Their romantic involvement was the subject of much scandal and controversy due to the social and racial norms of the time. Their relationship was allegedly marked by physical and emotional turmoil. Reports suggest that Johnson frequently beat Etta, leaving her with severe injuries and deep emotional scars. The stress of their relationship took a heavy toll on Etta, and in September 1912, she took her own life. She shot herself with a revolver, leaving behind a tragic and heartbreaking scene. The news of Etta's suicide made headlines around the world, with The Tatler reporting on the story under the title "A Tragedy in Black and White." The image of Johnson and Etta, captured in this photograph, serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities of their relationship and the societal pressures that surrounded them. Johnson's boxing career was marked by numerous achievements, but his personal life was marred by scandal and tragedy. This photograph stands as a poignant testament to the human side of a legend, a reminder that even the most celebrated figures are not immune to the complexities and challenges of life.
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