2016 has been a tough year for losing many greats not only in the African-American community, but those who immaculately touched the world. Another one has gone on to be in glory, with legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali passing away at the age of 74.
Ali had been hospitalized with respiratory issues earlier in the week, issues that doctors said were onset from his diagnosis and struggle with Parkinson’s Disease back in the 1980’s. Aside from being one of the most controversial athletes of the 20th century, Ali became one of the most influential as well with his constant advocacy for self-respect from others, as well as his constant delving into the political scene of America.
After changing his name from Cassius Clay in order not to have a “slave” name, Ali converted from Christianity to Islam, and rejected the Civil Rights Movement’s goal of racial integration. He devoted his time and efforts to promoting Islam and working on humanitarian causes.
In a press statement on Muhammad Ali’s death, President Obama said, “Muhammad Ali was The Greatest. Period. If you just asked him, he’d tell you. He’d tell you he was the double greatest; that he’d ‘handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder into jail.’ ”
” ‘I am America‘,” he once declared. ” ‘I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me – black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own. Get used to me.’ ”
