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A heavyweight crown can change a career. Fighting for dignity can change a country. We sit down with historian Randy Roberts to explore how Joe Louis moved from Detroit icon to global symbol during World War II, turning quiet resolve into a powerful stand against Jim Crow while uniting millions under one flag.

Randy takes us inside The Fight of His Life, the book he coauthored with Johnny Smith, drawing on thousands of newspaper archives, Army and State Department records, and on‑the‑ground reports from bases in the United States, England, and Italy. We retrace Louis’s transformative wartime years: the relief title defenses where he donated his entire purses, the morale‑boosting exhibition tours with Sugar Ray Robinson, and the tense showdown at Camp Sibert when an MP tried to force him from a whites‑only area. These moments reveal how a soft‑spoken champion found his political voice and insisted the Army live up to American ideals.

We also unpack the long shadow of Jack Johnson and how Louis was crafted as his public opposite, only to outgrow the script when justice demanded it. The conversation follows Louis beyond the ring: helping Jackie Robinson into officer candidate school at Fort Riley, pushing the PGA to grant an exemption that cracked golf’s color line, and ultimately earning an Arlington burial waiver with an assist from Ronald Reagan. Along the way, we reflect on Detroit’s own story—from the famed fist on Jefferson to a new statue honoring Louis the golfer, and the memory of Black Bottom as the city aims to rebuild with respect for what was lost.

If you care about sports history, World War II, civil rights, or Detroit’s legacy, this deep dive offers fresh insight into a champion whose greatest victories happened outside the ring. Listen, share with a friend, and tell us your takeaway—and if you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these stories.

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The remarkable story of Detroit's 1935 "City of Champions" status stands as perhaps the greatest untold achievement in American sports history. When the Lions captured the NFL championship, the Tigers claimed the World Series, and the Red Wings hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup all in the same year – while Joe Louis began his meteoric rise to boxing dominance – Detroit experienced a perfect storm of athletic excellence that has never been matched.

In this episode, co-host Charles Avison shares his passionate 15-year quest to bring this forgotten legacy back into public consciousness. What began as research for a book became a mission that faced unexpected resistance from mainstream media and publishers. Rather than accepting defeat, Charles pivoted to grassroots efforts – selling books at art fairs and eventually creating Inspire Marketplace, a Made in Michigan gift shop that now supports over 110 local artists while serving as a platform for the City of Champions story.

The conversation takes fascinating detours through Detroit's latest ventures, including the new Ice Cube 3-on-3 basketball team, while also exploring university archives that reveal connections between Detroit's sporting triumphs and broader historical figures. We discover Arthur Miller's student journalism about Black athlete Willis Ward and the complex decisions faced by athletes regarding the 1936 Berlin Olympics – threading Detroit's championships into the fabric of American cultural history.

Beyond sports statistics, this episode illuminates the perseverance required to preserve history that might otherwise slip away. Charles' journey parallels the championship teams he chronicles – facing setbacks, adjusting strategies, and refusing to concede defeat. As Inspire Marketplace expands to new locations including Detroit's airport and potentially downtown near the stadiums, the mission to celebrate Detroit's unprecedented championship year gains momentum.

Join us as we reconnect with Detroit's sporting legacy and the determination required to keep remarkable stories alive for future generations. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, history buff, or appreciate tales of persistence against the odds, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into a magical moment when Detroit truly became the City of Champions.

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Ever wondered how a single year could define a city’s sports legacy? Join us as we revisit the exhilarating year of 1935 when Detroit's Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings each clinched their first championships, earning the city the moniker "City of Champions." We’ll also marvel at the incredible rise of Joe Lewis during this golden era. From historical victories to personal anecdotes, we'll discuss the joy of experiencing live sports, as showcased by a memorable birthday spent at a Tigers game, proving that the love for the game transcends knowledge.

Our narrative takes you through the inspiring story of three Detroit teams achieving their first championships in one breathtaking season. We shine a spotlight on the often overlooked athletes and historical moments that contributed to this spectacular achievement, like Eddie Tolan's influence. As we express our gratitude for your continued support and engagement, we look forward to delving into the Detroit Tigers' storied past, culminating in the celebration of Champions Day on April 18th. And don't miss our thrilling plans to possibly bring the Stanley Cup to mark the 90th anniversary of these remarkable victories.

Imagine gathering all the major sports trophies Detroit has ever won under one roof! We discuss our ambitious plan to do just that, exploring the logistics and challenges of coordinating with museums and securing venues like the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. From the Harmsworth Trophy to the 1935 Stanley Cup band, we'll cover it all. Along the way, we share unique baseball stories, such as Del Baker’s influence on Schoolboy Rowe and Hank Greenberg’s transformation into a defensive powerhouse. Relive the days when young stars sweated it out in Beaumont, Texas, and discover how their journeys intertwined with the legacy that defines Detroit sports.

https://linktr.ee/DetroitCityofChampions

www.DJJamieDetroit.com

www.WearingFunny.com