The Legacy Exists is a 501(c)(3) non-profit scholarship fund that was created to exemplify the embodiment and humanitarianism of “Smokin’ Joe Frazier”. His generosity was evident in the many acts of kindness extended toward others. We expect to see these positive traits in our applicants.
The quest is to implement the “Champ’s” philosophy of hard work, unity, and self-motivation. He adamantly verbalized how crucial these characteristics were to the growth-potential of young people’s lives. This provision has been made through the implementation of a scholarship fund. This funding source will provide services to recipients whose families would otherwise not be able to afford the costs involved. And we know it will assist in the development of well-rounded young people who are making a positive impact on society.
Joe Frazier’s Gym served as a safe haven for local youth, offering them a place to learn discipline, resilience, and self-worth. Beyond boxing, Joe Frazier was a philanthropist who invested in his community, providing financial assistance and life lessons to those in need. Currently, the gym is privately owned and The Legacy Exist is determined to make make this gym what it once was for the community.
To provide scholarships to at-risk youth ages 13-19 years old in the Philadelphia tri-state area. These scholarships will be awarded for educational, recreational, and social programs.
Take a look at the many projects below that our Founder, Weatta Frazier-Collins, initiated in remembrance of Smokin' Joe Frazier throughout the City of Philadelphia.
Xfinity Live! Philadelphia
In 2015, front and center of the Xfinity Live NBC Sports Arena is the Joe Frazier statue and is exactly where it belongs. The massive statue stands 11 feet tall and embodies the pose after Joe's powerful and strong left hook. If you have not visited the statue yet please do.
Read more from Sports Illustrated.
Broad St & Glenwood Ave - Glennwood Ave & Germantown Ave
In 2018, the city of Philadelphia honored Joe by naming Glenwood Avenue after him. This recognition spans from Broad Street & Glenwood Avenue to Glennwood Avenue & Germantown Avenue. The location of this street name is heartwarming as it is adjacent to the once well-utilized Joe Frazier's Gym which was essential to the Philadelphia community in keeping young men off the streets, learning the skills of being a man boxing and so much more.
East Fairmount Park Philadelphia
In the changing world of 2020, Joe Frazier was honored as the face of upgraded Boxer's Trail in Fairmount Park. “Around the world, there is a fictional fighter known for embodying Philadelphia’s fighting spirit. But in Philly, we know that Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Bernard Hopkins are true-life world champions, and we are proud to make sure future generations know their stories" says Executive Director Maura McCarthy, of the new-and-improved Boxers’ Trail Gateway.
Joe Hand Boxing Gym
March 2021, Joe Hand Promotions admired the well-known battle titled Fight of the Century where Joe Frazier was victorious. The tribute entails a 9-foot bronze statue of Joe landing his famous left-hook on his opponent.
1302 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA
In 2021, Mural Arts Philadelphia honored the Philadelphia world champion boxer Smokin’ Joe Frazier with a new mural. Mural Arts artist Ernel Martinez worked with the Frazier family in 2019 to create a design that captures the spirit of Philadelphia’s favorite fighter. The mural was then painted with support from boxers around the city.