![]() ![]() "In effect, he wanted us to remind people who are suffering that he had seen the face of injustice. ![]() "Muhammad indicated that when the end came for him, he wanted us to use his life and his death as a teaching moment for young people, for his country and for the world," Lonnie said. Speakers included religious leaders from various faiths, Attallah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s eldest daughter, broadcaster Bryant Gumbel, former President Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal, Ali’s daughters Maryum and Rasheda and his widow Lonnie. The champ’s memorial service was held at the KFC Yum Center arena with close to 20,000 people in attendance. Prior to the memorial service, a funeral procession traveled 20 miles through Louisville, past Ali’s childhood home, his high school, the first boxing gym where he trained and along Ali Boulevard as tens of thousands of fans tossed flowers on his hearse and cheered his name. ![]() Supreme Court eventually overturned the conviction in June 1971. Ali returned to the ring in 1970 with a win over Jerry Quarry, and the U.S. Unable to compete professionally in the meantime, Ali missed more than three prime years of his athletic career. He was found guilty of violating Selective Service laws and sentenced to five years in prison in June 1967 but remained free while appealing his conviction. Department of Justice pursued a legal case against Ali, denying his claim for conscientious objector status. He was arrested for committing a felony and almost immediately stripped of his world title and boxing license. Vietnam and Supreme Court CaseĪli started a different kind of fight with his outspoken views against the Vietnam War.ĭrafted into the military in April 1967, he refused to serve on the grounds that he was a practicing Muslim minister with religious beliefs that prevented him from fighting. The boxer eventually converted to orthodox Islam during the 1970s. At first, he called himself Cassius X before settling on the name Muhammad Ali. l am still learning.” “Truly great people in history never wanted to be great for themselves.” “At night when I go to bed, I ask myself, 'If I don't wake up tomorrow, would I be proud of how I lived today.'” “This is the story about a man with iron fists and a beautiful tan.”Ĭlay joined the Black Muslim group Nation of Islam in 1964. I beat people up.” “I set out on a journey of love, seeking truth, peace and understanding. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I think the people of our religion should be tolerant and understand people believe different things.” “It's just a job. I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality.” “Religions all have different names, but they all contain the same truths. I shook up the world! I shook up the world!” “If Clay says a mosquito can pull a plow, don't ask how-Hitch him up!” “You get the impression while watching him fight that he plays cat and mouse, then turns out the light.” “The real enemy of my people is here. I'm so great I don't have a mark on my face. ![]() “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” “It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out it's the pebble in your shoe.” “I'm gonna float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” “I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given.” “I'm the champion of the world. ![]()
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