Joe Louis Honored With Bold New Statue: ‘Outside the Ring’
Detroit is making moves—big ones.
The city just tapped local sculpting powerhouse Austen Brantley to create a fresh, game-changing statue of the legendary Joe Louis. This isn’t your typical tribute. It’s called “Outside the Ring” and will celebrate Louis’s fight beyond boxing—his fight to break barriers in golf.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: it’s landing smack along the iconic Joe Louis Greenway.
The Unveiling: Mark Your Calendars
August 2025. That’s when this masterpiece is set to debut, perfectly timed with the anniversary of the Joe Louis Open Golf Tournament.
Louis wasn’t just a boxing icon. He was a trailblazer—opening doors for Black golfers and pushing back against segregation in the sport. This statue? It’s a bold salute to his legacy.
A Greenway That Tells Stories
“Outside the Ring” isn’t just a standalone piece—it’s part of a growing collection of public art along the Joe Louis Greenway. This 30-mile stretch connects Detroit’s neighborhoods, from the riverfront to Dearborn, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
This isn’t just about art. It’s about lifting up Detroit’s rich African American history and turning public spaces into powerful stories.
Meet the Artist: Austen Brantley
Austen Brantley is no stranger to making waves. This self-taught sculptor from Detroit has been turning heads for years. His work includes the striking sculpture of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, which earned widespread acclaim before its unfortunate theft in 2024.
Out of artists nationwide—from Grand Rapids to California—Brantley was chosen to bring Joe Louis’s legacy to life.
Joe Louis: More than a Boxer
We all know “The Fist.” That legendary downtown Detroit monument symbolizes Joe’s fight inside the ring and against racial injustice.
But here’s what many don’t know: Joe Louis didn’t just dominate boxing; he took on golf, too—breaking barriers as the first African American to play in a PGA-sanctioned event.
In 1941, he founded the Joe Louis Open Golf Tournament to showcase Black golfing talent and elevate the sport within the African American community. Talk about a legend.
Detroit’s Vision
“In Detroit, we celebrate the contributions Detroiters have made to the city and to the world,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Joe Louis is one of our greatest examples. It’s only fitting that a statue reflecting his accomplishments outside of boxing graces the magnificent greenway being built in his honor.”
This project is one of many led by Detroit ACE (Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship) to showcase the city’s vibrant Black history.
Artists: Ready to Make History?
Think you’ve got what it takes to honor a legend? Detroit ACE is accepting submissions for the Joe Louis Statue Commission until Monday, Nov. 11.
A selection committee—including community members, artists, the Louis family, and local business owners—will review the entries and choose the artist who will bring this vision to life.
Interested? Dive into the details at detroitmi.gov.
This is bigger than a statue. It’s a celebration. A legacy. A story that refuses to be forgotten.
Detroit’s history is bold. And it’s only getting louder.
