Muhammad Ali was an African American former professional heavyweight boxer. His boxing career began back in 1960 and ended in 1981. He was the Olympic gold medalist and the first heavyweight champion. Ali was a professional boxer for twenty-one years and won 56 fights. Muhammad Ali was the greatest African American fighter of all time. His fame allowed him to use his platform as a boxer to promote equality in America and to oppose the war in Vietnam. In a time when the United States was still experiencing racial segregation, Ali was very vocal on politics, religion, and racism.
Cassius Clay Jr. was the original name of Muhammad Ali. After his conversion to Islam, Muhammad Ali was legally changed to Muhammad Ali. Elijah Mohammad (also known as Malcolm X), gave Cassius the Muslim name. He refused to enlist for the Vietnam War, and that was the biggest fight of his life. His refusal to enlist in the Vietnam War 1 created an activism movement for war against America. Ali, then 25, was refusing to serve in Vietnam War. He claimed that war was against both his religion and beliefs. He couldn’t understand why he would kill people he didn’t know, call him racist names, or order dogs to attack him. He was immediately stripped off his championship belt and lost his passport. He was prohibited from boxing in any US state. He was sentenced to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Martin Luther King Jr. stood behind Ali and publicly opposed his position after Ali’s stand. Ali gave Ali the courage he needed to speak out against the warlords. In Vietnam, over 20,000 Americans were killed that year. Ali was released on bond and did not spend any time in prison. Ali became more sympathetic to those who opposed the Vietnam War. He was financially struggling and didn’t have a job. He refused to leave. He was a vocal critic of the war and advocated for black pride and racial equality. He believed that his race and religion was the main reason he got drafted. An entire paycheck from Joe Lewis, the ex-heavy champion boxer, was donated to the World War II Fund. After Lewis retired, the US government made Joe Lewis pay taxes on all the money he earned from that fight. Lewis, however, donated the entire amount. Joe Lewis was made bankrupt and died in poverty as a result. Ali protested against the unfair treatment of African Americans. He was convicted in 1971 after his case went through several courts. After four years of fighting for the prize, he returned. Ali became a member of the Nation of Islam, an African American religious and political movement. Ali was inspired by people of other colors to have a different outlook on life and to increase his spiritual awareness. Ali was told in his childhood that the American government did not recognize colored people and that they were lucky to have any rights. Ali grew to be second-class citizen in America because of the laws. There were designated racial areas in which blacks could shop, work, and send their kids to school. They were given information about where they could live, and who they could marry. If they violated the law, they would be treated harsher. His house was near the city’s top amusement park. However, it was only open to white people. This made black children feel like they were being held back. Ali’s father said that money was the only thing that could bring a man of color equality and respect. Ali lost his bicycle when he was twelve years old. Ali spoke out to a cop officer and he was advised to take up boxing to defend him. Ali believed him and began training with the officer who was to become his coach for his boxing career. Ali claimed that he was always interested in being famous as a child. He was asked by a journalist why he felt it was important to be famous. He explained that he wanted to be able to show that black men don’t have the need for white men to tell them what to do. He believed equality was possible for a man of color. Muhammad Ali, a celebrity, introduced the term Black Power’ to the public.
He aligned himself to Elijah Mohammad Jr. He would share their ideas to spread equality and awareness throughout the country. Muhammad Ali was also an entrepreneur and humanitarian. His struggles in childhood as a black American in America were the catalyst for his humanitarian and charitable efforts. He wasn’t greedy. He gave millions to charity and to people in need from all walks of life. Ali fed more than 22 million hungry people in the world, according to estimates. He was always an advocate for the needs of minorities and the disadvantaged when he could. He was a supporter of Native American rights. Ali travelled to Africa to protest the Moscow Olympics. Ali then went to Iraq to meet Saddam Hussein and negotiate the release American hostages. Ali persuaded America to aid the Rwandan and Palestinian refugee families. Ali had Parkinson’s and he continued to spread peace even after being diagnosed. The constant trauma he suffered from boxing caused him to develop the disease. He helped raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, and travelled to Afghanistan to promote peace for the United Nations. He was a tireless volunteer who took the time to help those less fortunate. Ali became more ill as he got older. Ali had difficulty speaking and walking straight. He also seemed sleepy. Ali was always willing to make public appearances, even though his health was deteriorating. His body was slowly failing and he was becoming increasingly frail. His body was showing signs of weakness and he had trouble recalling information. Ali was admitted to hospital in 2014 for a respiratory condition. Ali was hospitalized in 2014 with a respiratory disease. He continued to get infections and died in 2016 from septic shock. People all over the globe mourned Ali. Ali’s monument was watched over by 1 billion people. It was a terrible loss. Muhammad Ali is a great influence on the youth of African American communities and other minorities. He taught people that dreams can be achieved, no matter your race.
Ali’s greatness inspired many black athletes during the 1980’s to 2000’s. His example is an excellent example of how to use one’s voice to promote equality and peace. He encouraged people to be hardworking and never lose heart. Many people were touched by his generosity and kindness. Muhammad Ali is a legend that may never be duplicated. Americans today are obsessed with fame and making a lot of money. They don’t like discussing politics or other negative issues. Athletes rarely donate money. Due to Muhammad Ali’s immense prestige, boxers make a lot of money. P.K Subban is one of the most prominent athletes. They all had a strong connection to Muhammad Ali. The Ali Act is a federal law to protect fighters. It was created to protect fighters’ rights and to promote fairness and sportsmanship in the boxing/MMA industry. This Act was created in response to widespread corruption of fighters and boxers.
