Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali lived a life of learning. “Don 't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion” (“Muhammad Ali Quotes”). From his beginnings as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., a subjugated black boy in a racist community, to his current place as Muhammad Ali, world renowned boxer and inspiration, Ali has certainly lived the life of a champion. Through each struggle, he gained an experience that would help shape him for the future. Ali once said, “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life” (“Muhammad Ali Quotes”). Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. As a young black in the south, Clay experienced racism and segregation, but he …show more content…
Ali rejected the draft, refusing to go to Vietnam. In turn, many wanted Ali to be imprisoned and he had his boxing license suspended for three years and had all of his titles revoked. However, against all the scorn he was receiving, Ali continued to speak publicly against racism and for a peaceful and kind society. Overtime, Ali’s words began to carry some weight and contributed in its own way to the anti-war movement (“How Muhammad Ali”). Three years later, in 1970, Ali made his return to boxing and was defeated in the fight for the heavyweight title against Joe Frazier, his first loss during his professional career. Ali continued to fight over the years, with varying wins and losses, but he finally retired in 1981, after a loss to Trevor Berbick (“Muhammad …show more content…
After being diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease, he dedicated his time and energy to philanthropy. He opened a center for Parkinson’s disease patients in Arizona, and has supported many organizations that contribute to the welfare of people in need, including the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. At home, he has volunteered his time at numerous hospitals, clinics, and soup kitchens. Outside of the United States, he has traveled to several countries to do service work and help those in need. He has been a part of hunger relief, hostage negotiation, civil rights movements, humanitarianism promotions, and interfaith relations. Over the years, Ali has been recognized for his service to others, including, but not limited to, being chosen to be a United Nations Messenger of Peace, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2005, and receiving the President 's Award from NAACP in 2009 (“Muhammad Ali: Charity Work”). Ali has inspired millions to commit themselves to others, and to follow their dreams. He once said, “I wanted to use my fame, and this face that everyone knows so well, to help uplift and inspire people around the world (“Muhammad Ali Quotes”).” Today, the Muhammad Ali Center stands in Ali’s hometown in Kentucky to commemorate all of his accomplishments. Also, his legacy as a champion boxer has been carried on by his daughter Laila. Although his Parkinson’s
Muhammad Ali lived a life of learning. “Don 't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion” (“Muhammad Ali Quotes”). From his beginnings as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., a subjugated black boy in a racist community, to his current place as Muhammad Ali, world renowned boxer and inspiration, Ali has certainly lived the life of a champion. Through each struggle, he gained an experience that would help shape him for the future. Ali once said, “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life” (“Muhammad Ali Quotes”). Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. As a young black in the south, Clay experienced racism and segregation, but he …show more content…
Ali rejected the draft, refusing to go to Vietnam. In turn, many wanted Ali to be imprisoned and he had his boxing license suspended for three years and had all of his titles revoked. However, against all the scorn he was receiving, Ali continued to speak publicly against racism and for a peaceful and kind society. Overtime, Ali’s words began to carry some weight and contributed in its own way to the anti-war movement (“How Muhammad Ali”). Three years later, in 1970, Ali made his return to boxing and was defeated in the fight for the heavyweight title against Joe Frazier, his first loss during his professional career. Ali continued to fight over the years, with varying wins and losses, but he finally retired in 1981, after a loss to Trevor Berbick (“Muhammad …show more content…
After being diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease, he dedicated his time and energy to philanthropy. He opened a center for Parkinson’s disease patients in Arizona, and has supported many organizations that contribute to the welfare of people in need, including the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. At home, he has volunteered his time at numerous hospitals, clinics, and soup kitchens. Outside of the United States, he has traveled to several countries to do service work and help those in need. He has been a part of hunger relief, hostage negotiation, civil rights movements, humanitarianism promotions, and interfaith relations. Over the years, Ali has been recognized for his service to others, including, but not limited to, being chosen to be a United Nations Messenger of Peace, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2005, and receiving the President 's Award from NAACP in 2009 (“Muhammad Ali: Charity Work”). Ali has inspired millions to commit themselves to others, and to follow their dreams. He once said, “I wanted to use my fame, and this face that everyone knows so well, to help uplift and inspire people around the world (“Muhammad Ali Quotes”).” Today, the Muhammad Ali Center stands in Ali’s hometown in Kentucky to commemorate all of his accomplishments. Also, his legacy as a champion boxer has been carried on by his daughter Laila. Although his Parkinson’s