The Legacy Exists is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to honor and extend the humanitarian spirit of Smokin’ Joe Frazier, whose quiet generosity and acts of kindness were evident throughout his life. Joe Frazier’s commitment to helping others went beyond the boxing ring — he humbly gave without fanfare, and always prioritized people and the community.
Inspired by Frazier’s philosophy of persistence, unity, and determination, we believe every young person deserves access to the resources that support growth and opportunity, regardless of their circumstances.
Joe Frazier repeatedly emphasized the importance of these qualities and their role in a young person’s development and future success. This funding will be directed toward schools with limited programs and resources, enabling them to provide meaningful educational, wellness, and enrichment services to their students. We believe this strategy is the most effective way to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of many young people.
Inspired by Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s legacy, The Legacy Exists empowers Philadelphia youth with resources that strengthen physical health, intellectual growth, and personal development.
Take a look at the many projects below that our late Founder, Weatta Frazier-Collins, initiated in remembrance of her father, 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.
Since our earliest days, The Legacy Exists has proudly hosted our signature galas — unforgettable evenings where community, celebration, and purpose came together. Through these events, we awarded scholarship funds to deserving students, helping fuel their passions and support extracurricular success.
Now, as we honor that legacy, we’re embracing a bold new chapter. Through strategic partnerships with schools surrounding Joe Frazier’s Gym, we’re expanding our impact to reach even more students. Our focus remains the same — empowering young people — but our approach is evolving to provide deeper, more sustained support where it’s needed most.
Together with educators, families, and community leaders, we’re creating opportunities that inspire confidence, unlock potential, and build brighter futures — right here in the neighborhoods Joe Frazier loved.