When Joe Louis strolled through Harlem (here with his wife), crowds turned out to cheer. September 25, 1935.

Photo: Times Wide World Photos via Artblart

Joe Louis, Greenwood Lake, New York, Photo by Carl Van Vechten, 1941

Jack Johnson and Joe Louis

The first Black world heavyweight champion Jack Johnson with the second Black world heavyweight champion of the world Joe Louis. 💕

Joe Louis for the US Army, 1942

Theme Week: Black Celebrities 👑

At the time, Joe Louis had been the reigning heavyweight boxing champ for 5 years and he would be for another 7 years after this. Before enlisting, he was already famous even among white Americans (thanks to a carefully crafted image as a Model Minority). He spent his time in the Army making appearances around the US to raise money, build morale and recruit.

Boxing champ Joe Louis signs an autograph for Olivia de Havilland as Burgess Meredith looks on. Louis was training for what turned out to be a legendary fight against Billy Conn in the summer of 1941.

William H Johnson

Joe Louis and unidentified boxer, 1939-1941

John Henry Lewis started boxing professionally at the age of 14 and he managed to put together a spectacular career and leave the game while still a young man. Lewis was a hall of fame American boxer who held the World Light Heavyweight Boxing Title from 1935 to 1938. He had a total of 117 fights of which he won 103 with 60 by knockout. He lost 11 times and Joe Louis was the only man to stop him. He also had five draws. On the way up he fought Light Heavyweight Champion Maxie Rosenbloom five times, winning two and losing three. In their third fight Lewis dropped Rosenbloom five times.

John Henry Lewis was born on May 1, 1914 in Los Angeles, California and died on April 18, 1974 in Berkeley, California at the age of 59.

Joe Louis photographed by Alfred Eisenstaedt for LIFE magazine, 1936.

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Did you know Sports legends Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis were stationed at Fort Riley during World War 2! The legendary number "42" and the "Brown Bomber" are pictured in 1942 during their time serving our country. Robinson was drafted and sent to Fort Riley for basic training. During Robinson's time at Fort Riley he passed all the requirements and applied for Officer Candidate School. Robinson along with several other black candidates' applications were dismissed due to their race. Louis used his popularity to campaign on behalf of Robinson and other prospective officers. As a result, the candidates were granted acceptance into the program due largely to Louis's efforts.

Joe Louis knocks out Max Schmeling in the first round of their rematch lasting two minutes and four seconds, to keep the heavyweight title, at a sold-out Yankee Stadium, June 22, 1938.

Photo: NY Daily News

Joe Louis standing over a fallen Primo Carnera in their fight at Yankee Stadium on June 25, 1935.

Joe Louis and Sarah Vaughan 🖤

1946 RCA television advertisement