By It’s difficult to pinpoint our favorite memories of Muhammad Ali. He lived a life full of magnetic charisma, unwavering conviction, and indomitable vigor. And his tongue packed a punch that challenged the ones he threw with his fists. He was a man who lived his life to the fullest, passion and ebullience defining everything he did. Since it’s impossible to list them all, here are just a tiny handful of some of our favorite Muhammad Ali moments, in no particular order.
1. That time he requested that his star not be put on the ground, as he didn’t want people walking on the Prophet’s name. He said, “I bear the name of our Beloved Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), and it is impossible that I allow people to trample over his name.”
2. This monumental #clapback.
3. This picture of Muhammad Ali, holding a copy of the Nation of Islam newspaper Muhammad Speaks, with a picture of himself and the words “Allah is the greatest.” Unapologetically black. Unapologetically Muslim.
4. This absolute gem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUM8SQ_rSGk&feature=share&app=desktop
5. When a white woman tried to tell Muhammad Ali that he’s “too arrogant” and he’s absolutely not having it.
6. His inspiring response to the question “What are you going to do when you retire from boxing?”
7. This picture.
8. “Mama, why is everything white?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtxfTEyJZg4
9. This unbelievable poem he wrote about the Attica prison riot in 1971. *snaps*
10. This quote, given after he refused induction into the Vietnam war, and claimed conscientious objector status.
“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on Brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights? No I’m not going 10,000 miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world over. This is the day when such evils must come to an end. I have been warned that to take such a stand would cost me millions of dollars. But I have said it once and I will say it again. The real enemy of my people is here. 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. If I thought the war was going to bring freedom and equality to 22 million of my people they wouldn’t have to draft me, I’d join tomorrow. I have nothing to lose by standing up for my beliefs. So I’ll go to jail, so what? We’ve been in jail for 400 years.” – Muhammad Ali
YES!!! Thanks for sharing this.