Joe Louis (b. May 13, 1914)

Happy birthday, Joe Louis!

Born Joseph Louis Barrow on this day in Alabama. Louis's family, shaken by the Ku Klux Klan and moves to Detroit, Michigan in 1926, forming part of the post-World War I Great Migration. The family settles into a home at 2700 Catherine Street (aka Madison Street in 2012) in Detroit's Black Bottom neighborhood.

Within a few years, the Depression hits the Barrow family hard, but as an alternative to gang activity, Joe spends time at a local youth recreation center at 637 Brewster Street in Detroit^. Legend will tell that he tried to hide his pugilistic ambitions from his mother by carrying his boxing gloves inside his violin case. In his time as a fighter, Joe Louis will have 72 fight, knock out 54 opponents, endure three defeats, and hold the championship for 12 consecutive years (the longest span for a heavyweight titleholder).

The 24-foot bronze status of his fist has become emblematic of Detroiters' identity as hard-working people who, if they come by success, come by it honestly.

Thanks to the Detroit News