The City of Detroit, known for its rich appreciation of icons in both the arts and athletics, has added another significant chapter to its legacy by selecting local artist Austen Brantley to design the new Joe Louis "Outside the Ring" statue. Brantley, a self-taught sculptor inspired by African and Greek cultures, will create a statue that goes beyond Joe Louis' boxing achievements, instead highlighting his efforts to break down racial barriers in American golf, according to the City of Detroit.
A diverse panel of judges, including Joyce Barrow Henderson, a relative of Joe Louis, was assembled to select Brantley for the project, which has strong ties to Detroit and involves contributions from various community figures such as professional golfer Joe Hooks, business and foundation leaders, artists, and architects. The artist has mentioned that his work is influenced by the Harlem Renaissance and has previously created sculptures that recognize notable figures from his hometown.
Brantley was selected from a competitive pool of artists from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Minneapolis, and Walnut, California. His choice reflects Detroit’s deep connection to its local history and icons. The selection panel, which included Dr. Hubert Massey, Karen Burton, and Arnold Boyd, brought their expertise and insight to the process, establishing a framework for future projects.
The statue, a collaboration between the Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship (ACE) and the Joe Louis Greenway Planning Team, aims to honor Louis’ legacy. The Greenway project itself seeks to connect communities, celebrate Detroit’s African American heritage, and improve neighborhoods through Mayor Mike Duggan’s Blight to Beauty initiative. This commission is part of ACE’s broader efforts to enhance public art in Detroit, transforming public spaces into areas for community engagement and cultural recognition.
Fans of the 'Brown Bomber' and art enthusiasts alike can look forward to August 2025, when the statue is scheduled to be unveiled, coinciding with the anniversary of the first Joe Louis Open Golf Tournament.
