time.com, Ali's Legacy
In your struggle for freedom, justice and equality I am with you. I came to Louisville because I could not remain silent while my own people, many I grew up with, many I went to school with, many my blood relatives, were being beaten, stomped and kicked in the streets simply because they want freedom, and justice and equality in housing.” -Muhammad Ali
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Muhammad Ali was a boxing legend, yet he was mostly recognized for what he did outside of the rink. Not only were his fists and feet fast, but also his mind and mouth. Muhammad Ali was able to show and tell people things in an arrogant manner that no one was prepared to hear. The young African-American man was able to express himself and that is exactly why he became a symbol of self-determination to many generations of African-Americans.
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,SI: Throughout your life, you have touched people just by being yourself. How does this make you feel?
Ali: It makes me feel good, but I don’t know if I touch people like you’re saying. I only know because people tell me. It’s God’s blessing if I’m able to touch people and make them feel good about themselves and motivate them to do better.
-Sports Illustrated interview, si.com
Ali: It makes me feel good, but I don’t know if I touch people like you’re saying. I only know because people tell me. It’s God’s blessing if I’m able to touch people and make them feel good about themselves and motivate them to do better.
-Sports Illustrated interview, si.com
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No matter who you are or what you know about Ali, you should always consider how amazing of a man he was. Not only was he kind to most and uplifting to many, but he gave gave himself to the world. Ali was the man who won a gold for America, yet gave himself to the fight for civil rights. He was faced with many challenges such as jail and even Parkinson's later on. Still he was a rare man that wasn't perfect, but was able to conquer the world.
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"What he stood for — I mean that's a guy who basically had to give up a belt and relish everything he had done because of what he believed in and ended up in jail because of his beliefs," James said. "That's a guy who stood up for so many different things throughout the times where it was so difficult for African-Americans to even walk in the streets. For an athlete like myself today, without Muhammad Ali, I wouldn't be sitting up here talking in front of you guys. I wouldn't be able to walk in restaurants. I wouldn't be able to go anywhere where blacks weren't allowed back in those days." -usatoday.com, Lebron James
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As many said, and still say, there will never be another Muhammad Ali. He inspired millions of people all around the world and gave many African-Americans hope. He was living proof that anyone can overcome insurmountable odds and this message still resonates in the hearts of many. He was a fighter, yet he was able to make us all fighters as well. People around the world will always keep Muhammad Ali close to them. Very famous celebrities and athletes still show love for Ali and he will always inspire them all.
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What would you like people to think about you when you are gone?
“I'D LIKE FOR THEM TO SAY. HE TOOK A FEW CUPS OF
LOVE. HE TOOK ONE TABLESPOON OF PATIENCE,
ONE TEASPOON OF GENEROSITY, ONE PINT OF
KINDNESS; HE TOOK ONE QUART OF LAUGHTER, ONE
PINCH OF CONCERN AND THEN HE MIXED WILLINGNESS WITH HAPPINESS. HE ADDED LOTS OF FAITH, AND HE
STIRRED IT UP WELL. THEN HE SPREAD IT OVER A SPAN OF A LIFETIME, AND HE SERVED IT TO EACH AND EVERY DESERVING PERSON HE MET.” -muhammadali.com