Joe Louis, the legendary boxer and sports icon of the 20th century, passed away on April 12th, 1981 at the age of 66. Born in Lafayette, Alabama, in 1914, Joe developed an early interest in boxing. Moving to Detroit at the age of 12, he began boxing professionally at age 19 and went on to become one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history. Nicknamed "The Brown Bomber," Louis won the world heavyweight title in an upset of Primo Carnera in 1935 and held the title for 11 years, the longest consecutive reign of any heavyweight champion in history. Notable bouts included a first-round knockout of German Max Schmeling in which Louis sought to avenge an earlier loss and prove America's superiority over the Nazis. Louis further cemented himself as one of the most renowned and respected sports icons of the time for his unwavering dignity, humility and integrity both in and out of the ring. He donated large sums to the war effort in WWII and, afterward, opened a lucrative life insurance business while continuing to box. Louis was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954. His achievements and influence gained him a place in the hearts of Americans, breaking down racial barriers from the 1930's to modern day. Joe Louis will forever be remembered as an all-time great of the boxing world, and an American hero.