Detroit Evening Report: Detroit seeking sculptor for new Joe Louis statue showcasing life ‘outside the ring’
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"The Fist" monument in downtown Detroit symbolizes boxer Joe Louis' fight in the ring, as well as outside the ring against racial injustice.
The city of Detroit is issuing an open call for a sculptor to create a new statue of Detroit legend Joe Louis.
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The statue, which will be located alongside the Joe Louis Greenway, aims to highlight the iconic boxer’s life outside the ring.
Known as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Louis was a national hero who broke racial barriers in the sport. But some may not know that he also broke racial barriers in golf.
Louis played golf in the mid 1930s and became a major supporter of the United Golf Association. He was the first African American to play in a PGA sanctioned event.
“In Detroit, we celebrate the contributions Detroiters have made to the city and to the world, and Joe Louis is one of our greatest examples,” said Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement. “It’s only fitting that a statue reflecting his accomplishments outside of boxing grace the magnificent greenway being built in his honor.”
The new Joe Louis statue is just one of many public arts projects led by the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) to highlight Detroit’s rich Black history.
Artists interested in applying for the statue commission must send a packet of their work to Detroit ACE by Monday, Nov. 11. A selection committee made up of community members, artists, members of the Louis family and business owners will choose the artist, and the statue will be unveiled in August 2025.
For more details on how to apply, visit detroitmi.gov.
Other headlines for Friday, Nov. 1, 2024:
- Election day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and the city of Detroit is putting in extra work to ensure that the election is secured.
- “Candlelight: The Best of Han Zimmer” — a live, multi-sensory musical experience featuring music from “Inception,” “The Lion King,” “Interstellar” and more — is coming to Christ Church Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 2 for two shows.
- The 2024 All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping Experience & Food Truck Rally is taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, in Sheds 3, 4 and 5 at Eastern Market.
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