By John F. McKenna (McJack): “He can run but he can’t hide.” It is a quote that has been used numerous times and even President Bush incorporated the quote into one of his speeches a few years ago.
Early in 1942 Louis appeared at a fund raiser for the purpose of selling U.S. Savings Bonds. Manny famous dignitaries and Hollywood stars were in attendance. Louis, not used to speaking before large groups spoke straight from his heart. His unforgettable quote was:
“We’ll win because we’re on God’s side.”
The Louis quote became a rallying cry for American soldiers during World War II. Posters with the quote were distributed in both the European and Pacific theaters during the war. Louis also donated his entire purse for two of his fights in the early stages of the war.
Prior to entering the service Joe was offered the opportunity to enter the service as an officer but declined saying he just wanted to be one of the guys. Louis fought 96 exhibition fights entertaining over two million troops during the war.
Louis lost much of his luster during the years he served in World War II. He retired in1949 for the 1st time after having been heavyweight champion for twelve years and defending his title twenty five times. Both the length of Louis’ title reign and the number of title defenses are records for any division in the history of boxing. His record of five 1st round KO’s is also a record.
After he retired Louis used his influence to become the first African American to play in a PGA Golf tournament in 1952. By no stretch of the imagination was Louis close to being at the level of a professional golfer. But it is a testament to his sense of justice and perseverance that he used his influence and the good will that the American people had for him that he was able to begin breaking down the prejudice that existed in the all white PGA. Shortly thereafter Louis sought out famed columnist Walter Winchell and issued a scathing indictment of PGA officials who refused to allow African Americans to play in their tournaments.
While Louis was serving in the Army he used his considerable influence to prevail upon some of the top generals he knew to allow African American soldiers to attend his exhibition fights.
In another instance Louis was able to get future baseball great Jackie Robinson into Officer Candidate Schools (OCS) . Robinson met all the requirements but until Louis intervened he was not able to get into OCS. Jackie Robinson became the first African American to attend OCS in the United States Army.
Louis’ ring accomplishments have long overshadowed his amazing accomplishments related to racial injustice. Perhaps it is time that the country that Louis served so well took time to stand back and assess his considerable impact related to Black History.
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