Detroit Sculptor Chosen to Create Joe louis Statue for Greenway
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A panel that included Joyce Barrow Henderson, one of Louis’ daughters, carefully selected Brantley from applicants nationwide.“We’re thrilled to share our father’s inspiring legacy beyond the boxing ring,” Henderson said in a statement. “His unwavering belief in humanity and community spirit made him a trailblazer in sports, business, and culture, while empowering others to break barriers.”
Brantley, a self-taught artist, draws inspiration from African and classical art. His recent work includes a sculpture of Lt. Col.Alexander Jefferson for Jefferson plaza in Rouge Park.
joe Louis and the Desegregation of Golf
The statue will commemorate Louis’s meaningful role in desegregating American golf. At the age of 35, he became the first African American to play in a PGA-sanctioned tournament. He also founded the Joe Louis Open golf tournament, wich quickly became a major event in Black sports, attracting top Black golfers from across the country between 1941 and 1951.Joe Louis Greenway Connects Communities
The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27-mile trail designed for biking, walking, culture, and history. It is indeed intended to connect Detroit, Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck, incorporating existing paths like the Dequindre Cut and portions of the detroit RiverWalk, along with planned trails including the Iron Belle Trail and Southwest Greenway. Construction is ongoing, with the latest portion connecting Highland Park and Detroit.
## A Champion Beyond the Ring: An Interview with Austen Brantley
**Intro Music**
**host:** Welcome back to Archyde, everyone. Today, we have the honor of welcoming a truly talented artist shaping the landscape of Detroit’s public art scene. Austen Brantley, a local sculptor, has been chosen for the monumental task of immortalizing a boxing legend – Joe Louis – not just for his prowess in the ring, but also for his significant social contributions. Austen, thank you so much for joining us.
**Austen Brantley:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s talk about this unbelievable project. You’ve been selected to create a statue of Joe Louis for the joe Louis Greenway. What drew you to this opportunity?
**Austen Brantley:** Well, Joe Louis is more than just a boxing champion. His story is about resilience,determination,and breaking down racial barriers. [ [1](https://hoodline.com/2024/12/detroit-selects-local-sculptor-austen-brantley-to-craft-joe-louis-outside-the-ring-statue/) ]- the “Outside the Ring” concept really resonated with me. This sculpture isn’t just about celebrating his boxing achievements, but also highlighting his impactful work desegregating American golf.That resonates deeply with me as an artist.
**Host:** The Greenway is already a vibrant space celebrating Detroit’s history. How do you see your sculpture fitting into that narrative?
**Austen Brantley:** I envision the statue as a powerful symbol of progress and inspiration. Joe Louis’s story is one of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness, not only in sports but also in advocating for social justice. I believe his legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding them of the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for equality.
**Host:** This project, as you mentioned, is about going beyond the boxing ring, showcasing Joe Louis’s contributions beyond athletics. How will that be reflected in your artistic vision for the statue?
**Austen Brantley:** My goal is to create a piece that captures the essence of Joe Louis as a whole person. I’m exploring different poses and expressions that convey his strength, determination, and humanity. The sculpture will also incorporate elements that symbolize his work in desegregating golf, perhaps using golf motifs or imagery.
**Host:** This is a significant undertaking for any artist. When can we expect to see the finished sculpture unveiled on the Greenway?
**Austen Brantley:** The target date for installation is 2025. [ [1](https://hoodline.com/2024/12/detroit-selects-local-sculptor-austen-brantley-to-craft-joe-louis-outside-the-ring-statue/) ]It’s going to be a challenging but rewarding process, and I’m honored to be a part of this project.
**Host:** Austen Brantley, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing your vision come to life and becoming a new landmark on the Joe Louis Greenway.
**Outro music**
## A Champion Beyond the Ring: An Interview wiht Austen Brantley
**Intro Music**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde, everyone. Today, we have the honor of welcoming a truly talented artist shaping the landscape of detroit’s public art scene. Austen Brantley, a local sculptor, has been chosen for the monumental task of immortalizing boxing legend Joe Louis in a new statue for the Joe Louis Greenway. austen, welcome to the show.
**Austen Brantley:** Thank you so much for having me. It’s a real pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Austen, this statue is going to be something special. It’s called “Outside the Ring” and it’s going to depict Joe Louis beyond his boxing career. Can you tell our listeners a little bit about your vision for the piece?
**Austen Brantley:** Absolutely. Joe Louis was more than just a boxer; he was a symbol of hope, strength, and progress. While his accomplishments in the ring were undeniable, his impact transcended sports. “Outside the Ring” aims to capture this broader legacy. We’ll see Joe Louis not just as a fighter, but as a golfer who broke racial barriers in the sport, a philanthropist, and a role model for future generations.
**Host:** That’s amazing! And you were selected from applicants nationwide. What do you think set your proposal apart?
**Austen Brantley:** I think my approach to highlighting Joe Louis’s wider impact resonated with the selection panel. I’m also deeply inspired by African and classical art, which influences my style. I wanted to create a piece that was both powerful and elegant, something that truly captured the essence of this astonishing man.
**Host:** Speaking of Joe Louis’s wider impact, the statue will be placed on the Joe Louis Greenway, a project designed to connect communities acrosssoutheast Michigan. How vital is it to you that your work is part of this larger initiative?
**Austen Brantley:** It’s incredibly meaningful. Art has the power to bring people together, to inspire dialogue and understanding. Having my sculpture sit along the Joe Louis Greenway, connecting communities through recreation and shared experience, just feels like a perfect fit.
**Host:** The statue will feature Joe Louis as a golfer. Can you tell us a little about his role in desegregating the sport?
**Austen Brantley:** At the height of his boxing career, Joe Louis, at the age of 35, became the first African American to play in a PGA-sanctioned tournament. He faced immense discrimination and hostility, but he persevered and ultimately paved the way for others.
He also founded the Joe Louis Open, a groundbreaking tournament that drew top Black golfers from all over the country.
**Host:** It’s a powerful story and one that deserves to be remembered. This project is clearly very close to your heart. What do you hope viewers will take away from “Outside the Ring”?
**Austen Brantley:** I hope they will see Joe Louis as a complex and inspiring figure who transcended the labels and stereotypes of his time. I want them to be moved by his story, by his courage, his grace, and his enduring legacy.
**Host:** Austen, thank you so much for sharing your vision with us today.We can’t wait to see the finished piece.
**Austen Brantley:** It’s been my pleasure.
**Outro Music**
