DETROIT – A group of judges have selected a Detroit artist to sculpt a new statue of sports icon Joe Louis.
Austen Brantley is a self-taught sculptor from Detroit. His most recent work was a sculpture of the late Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson for Jefferson Plaza in Rouge Park.
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Previous story: Detroit calling for artists to create new statue of Joe Louis
Brantley said his art is inspired by African and classical art, and he wants to continue the traditions of the Harlem Renaissance.
The new statue of Joe Louis will focus on his life outside of the ring to honor his work desegregating American golf. Louis was the first African American to play in a PGA-sanctioned tournament.
The statue is scheduled to be unveiled in August 2025 and will be displayed on the 30-mile Joe Louis Greenway.
