The Great White Hope

"The Great White Hope" refers to a person, often a white boxer, who is expected to challenge or surpass a Black champion, such as Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion. The phrase also symbolizes the broader societal desire or hope for a white individual to succeed in fields dominated by Black talent, often reflecting racial tensions and aspirations for racial superiority or equality. Originating from a 1967 play and film about Johnson’s life, it captures both the sports and racial dynamics of the early 20th century.