Ali

On Friday we lost not only an iconic athlete but also an influential figure of the Civil Rights movement. Ali is often remembered for his footwork and jabs but is important not to forget his impact on equal rights. Ali is considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time with 56 wins on his record. His success and his fame as an athlete was an important image for black folk around the the country whom at the time continued to suffer under immense discrimination under the law and within society. As most sectors of America, sport was incredibly white and to see a black man dominating in an area he had been previously subjected to erasure was a deeply empowering image. He was also notable in that he was an outspoken advocate for Civil Rights. In a very controversial act he joined the separatist movement of Nation of Islam. Though obviously a questionable doctrine, the act itself was a huge statement. Basically publicly and fearlessly saying “screw you” to white-america. It was an action which had great effect on the energy of the Civil Rights Movement which Julian Bond describes;

“The act of joining was not something many of us particularly liked. But the notion he’d do it, that he’d jump out there, join this group that was so despised by mainstream America, and be proud of it, sent a little thrill through you.”

He challenged the dominance of white-america and as others like him, was punished for it. In 1967 he refused to fight in the Vietnam War. A potent political statement which questioned war and condemned its violence. For this act he was banned from his sport, stripped of his boxing titles and sentenced to 5 years in prison. Ali's public act against the war in Vietnam inspired people to question what those in power were doing. Eventually his prison sentence was overturned and he was able to return to boxing and solidify himself as one of the greatest of all time.

In his life Muhammad Ali impacted not only the sporting world but also society in much broader ways. His legacy as a Civil Rights activist should never be forgotten and surely will still inspire today and in the future.

RIP Muhammad Ali.