Why did African Americans celebrate Johnson’s victory over Jeffries?
A Previous champions had refused to take on African American fighters.
B Prizefighting was seen as the ultimate test of male physical superiority.
C His victory struck a blow to the prevailing notion of white supremacy.
D African Americans were banned from competing in other major sports.
The correct answer is C: His victory struck a blow to the prevailing notion of white supremacy.
African Americans celebrated Johnson’s victory over Jeffries because it was a significant event that challenged and contradicted the racial stereotypes and beliefs that placed white people as superior to black people. Johnson, being the first African American heavyweight champion, represented not just an athletic achievement but also a symbolic victory for civil rights and racial pride during a time when white supremacy was prevalent in society.