Joe Louis: A National Hero

Joe Louis could not have guessed that a career in boxing would make him into national hero. As World War II loomed, Joe Louis was thrust into the political arena when he fought Germany’s Max Schmeling. Louis’ win over Schmeling was a win for America. Surprisingly, at a time when segregation and discrimination were prevalent, he became a hero for both black and white America.

• Joe Louis Quotes

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, NYWT&S Collection.