Joe Louis joins ASHA for a major public awareness campaign

ASHA began outreach efforts in African American communities after learning of high rates of Syphilis among African American recruits. ASHA immediately began working directly with African American leaders across the country to develop effective public education programs aimed specifically at African Americans. Going from community to community, ASHA conducted outreach campaigns, encouraging community empowerment rather than waiting for government solutions. Joe Louis, one of the world’s most famous boxers, was enlisted for a major awareness campaign in 1946. As he stood on the steps of city hall, Louis was photographed knocking out a dummy representing venereal disease. New York’s Daily News quoted him as saying “there’s only one thing that can kayo VD, that’s good, clean living and you know I believe in that.”

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