In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford encouraged the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” This month, Photo of the Week will celebrate Black History Month with a weekly spotlight on contributions from Black Americans from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas.
Above is a picture of American boxer Buster Mathis, who lived in Wyoming. Mathis had a successful career as an amateur heavy weight and qualified for the 1964 Olympics. He had to bow out due to an injury with Joe Frazier taken his place. Frazier would win a gold medal during those Olympic games. Mathis turned profession in 1965 and faced Frazier for the New York State Athletic Commission World Heavyweight Title. Frazier won on a 11th-round knockout. Mathis retired in 1969 but came out of retirement to fight Muhammad Ali in 1971. Mathis suffered from several health issues and died in his Wyoming home in 1995. He was 51.
