Joe Louis Wins Heavyweight Championship; Becomes Symbol of Black Pride and Resistance

Joe Louis knocked out James Braddock on June 22, 1937 to become Heavyweight Champion of the World, the first Black man to hold the title since Jack Johnson was stripped of it in 1915. Louis's victory triggered celebrations across Black America, with crowds filling Harlem and Black neighborhoods in every major city. Louis was carefully managed to present an image of dignity and restraint specifically to counter white fears associated with Jack Johnson. His 1936 fight with German champion Max Schmeling, and his 1938 rematch victory, gave his championship anti-fascist resonance. Louis became the most popular athlete in America, Black or white.