In what may be one of Rachel's favorite episodes ever, we are discussing two infamous boxing matches between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling that took place in 1936 and 1938. We talk about how these fights were more than just boxing matches; they were nation versus nation, American versus Nazi, white man versus Black man. Louis would go on to become a symbol of freedom, democracy, and national pride in the face of World War II, despite the fact that he was an African-American man that was not treated equally in his own country, could not vote, and was placed in a segregated unit when he left the world of boxing to defend the United States in the Second World War.
A special thanks goes out to Rachel's husband, Alex, for this week's topic suggestion!
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- Rachel and Leah