Joe Louis

African American boxer Joe Louis fights German heavyweight champion Max Schmeling on June 22, 1938, in New York (BArch, Bild 183-R97320 / o. Ang.).

African American boxer Joe Louis fights German heavyweight champion Max Schmeling on June 22, 1938, in New York (BArch, Bild 183-R97320 / o. Ang.).

African Americans in Harlem protesting Nazi Germany during the Louis/Schmeling Fight in 1938 (Library of Congress).

African Americans in Harlem protesting Nazi Germany during the Louis/Schmeling Fight in 1938 (Library of Congress).

While visiting the Tuskegee Airmen, Joe Louis talks to crew chief S/Sgt Leo E. Walker from Fitchburg, MA (National Archives).

While visiting the Tuskegee Airmen, Joe Louis talks to crew chief S/Sgt Leo E. Walker from Fitchburg, MA (National Archives).

Surrounded by hundreds of GIs at a heavy bomber base in Italy, S/Sgt Joe Louis acts as referee during a boxing match, September 21, 1944 (National Archives).

Surrounded by hundreds of GIs at a heavy bomber base in Italy, S/Sgt Joe Louis acts as referee during a boxing match, September 21, 1944 (National Archives).

Joe Louis visits US troops in Italy, September 21, 1944 (National Archives).

Joe Louis visits US troops in Italy, September 21, 1944 (National Archives).

In this biographic sketch for the Office of War Information Charles Alston celebrates Joe Louis, heavy weight champion of the world, as a true American hero. Louis rise to fame is portrayed as “democracy in action” (National Archives)

In this biographic sketch for the Office of War Information Charles Alston celebrates Joe Louis, heavy weight champion of the world, as a true American hero. Louis rise to fame is portrayed as “democracy in action” (National Archives)