Civil Rights in Boxing

Boxing was one of the first sports that offered African Americans the chance to compete on the profession level. African American boxers began to integrate the sport during the early 1900s and immediately saw success as African American champions were crowned. Two great examples of African American boxers who played great roles in the Civil Rights Movement were Joe "The Brown Bomber" Louis and "The Greatest of All Time" Muhammad Ali. Both men affected the movement at different times and different ways. 

Joe Louis as Civil Rights Pioneer

Joe Louis was arguably one of the best profession boxers of his time. Fighting roughly through the 1930s to 1950, Joe Louis dominated the heavy weight division and held the title for 12 straight years. Louis wasn't the first black champion, but he was highly recognized and supported by the white community because of his gentleman personality and first class conduct when competing in sport. A full decade before Jackie Robinson put on a Dodgers Uniform, Louis had already dominated the sport of boxing and paved the way for African American athletes to participate and integrate in professional sports. 

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Muhammad Ali and the Civil Rights Movement

"I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” - Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was a great heavyweight champion that can be noted as one of the great ones. His loud, slick, confident and rebel personality symbolized the radical times of the 60s and 70s. Ali was a great champion, but he was also a figure head in sports for the civil rights movement. His public image symbolized a more confident and bold black community that started to rise up and fight for the rights they deserved. Ali was praised by the black community, especially when he declined his invitation to join the army by way of the draft. Leaders like Martin Luther King praised Ali for his courage and bravery, believing others should follow in his footsteps. Although Ali felt his decision was the right one, he lost his boxing license, championship and was unable to box for about three years. Ali finally won his license back when he appealed his case and quickly rose through the ranks and won his belt back. 

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