Recap of the facts: Wiki: Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.; January 17, 1942) is an American former professional boxer,[1] philanthropist[2] and social activist.[2] Considered a cultural icon, Ali was both idolized and vilified.[3][4]
Originally known as Cassius Clay, Ali changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964, subsequently converting to Sunni Islam in 1975, and more recently practicing Sufism.[5] In 1967, three years after Ali had won the World Heavyweight Championship, he was publicly vilified for his refusal to be conscripted into the U.S. military, based on his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. Ali stated, “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong… No Viet Cong ever called me nigger” – one of the more telling remarks of the era.[6]
Widespread protests against the Vietnam War had not yet begun, but with that one phrase, Ali articulated the reason to oppose the war for a generation of young Americans, and his words served as a touchstone for the racial and antiwar upheavals that would rock the 1960s. Ali’s example inspired Martin Luther King Jr. – who had been reluctant to alienate the Johnson Administration and its support of the civil rights agenda – to voice his own opposition to the war for the first time.[7]
My son-in-law’s favorite- 1965 Ali vs. Sonny Liston- NO CONTEST HERE…
Happy Birthday, Ali! He did so much for African Americans by standing for what was right and what he believed in. He told it like it is. Always. I never met him but knew he was a great man, according to my former boss, Sugar Ray Robinson, who mentored Ali and was his friend.
Indeed he did, Marion. Ali spoke his mind! My parents loved him and loved watching his boxing matches. BTW…how cool is that to have Sugar Ray Robinson as a boss?! :)
He was a great man and a wonderful experience for me. I met many celebrities through Ray, but never had the chance to meet Ali (sigh).
Good for you!
10 Unforgettable Muhammad Ali Quotes
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
His hands can’t hit
What his eyes can’t see
he was a strong Black man. an outspoken strong, Black man!!
Happy Birthday, Mr. Ali
“I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong … They never called me nigger.”
The late great Richard Pryor on Muhammad Ali:
HILARIOUSLY TRUE. Thanks for the post, Rashad. “What happens if this nigger has one of those Joe Frazier flashbacks?” BWA HA HA
***dead*** @ You don’t see his punches until they’re coming back.
BWA HA HA HA Nobody does it better than Pryor.