By Mark Miles, Oak Park High School Joe Louis Arena is located on Washington Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue. It sits on the bank of the Detroit River, just behind the Cobo Conference Center. This arena is named after a famous Black boxer who grew up in Detroit. This fighter’s name was Joe Louis, he was also known as the Brown Bomber. His world famous heavyweight fight was with a German Nazi named Max Schmeling. He knocked him out with a devastating punch. His right cross against the German fighter was known as “the hit heard around the world.” It was also a punch against Nazism and Adolf Hitler. This took place in 1938, a few years before the start of World War II. A bronze statue of Joe Louis and the famous glove from that fight are located inside the arena. There is a replica of Joe Louis’s arm at the foot of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues. It is located down the street from the arena. This statue has been considered very controversial due to its “violent appearence.” It has been reported in the media that some people see this statue only as an out-stretched arm with a clenched fist, resembling the Black Power sign of the 1960’s. This statue is entitled “The Fist” and was donated to the city by Sports Illustrated magazine. Joe Louis Arena is the current home of the Detroit Red Wings. A guided tour and official video presentation about the life of Joe Louis is available in the lobby of the Cobo Conference Center. |
