Most people love Muhammad Ali or, well, don’t love him. I respect him as an athlete and someone who, in later years, did a lot for his community.
Originally named Cassius Clay, he was born in Louisville on January 17, 1942. Here, he honed his ability as a boxer, returning Gold in the 1960 Rome Olympics.
He returned often after capturing the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World, and it is here, in Louisville, that “The Greatest” has his final resting place.
He passed away on June 3, 2016.
Having lived most of his young life in Louisville, you can visit several landmarks outlining his life, including his boyhood home, where he trained, and his gravesite.
Another site in downtown Louisville is the Muhammad Ali Center.
Two and a half levels of exhibits and displays showcase Ali’s epic life through six core values: respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, and spirituality.
The Center includes a five-screen orientation theater film, historic Civil Rights era media footage, an interactive timeline of Ali’s life, a video of Ali’s fights, hands-on boxing fun, and two art galleries.
The Muhammad Ali Center for Humanity and Justice (CHJ) is also on site. CHJ curates community-engaged programs designed to foster respect, challenge systems of oppression, and promote positive social change, including youth leadership development programs, professional development workshops, and other programs. According to the website, the programs are dedicated to advancing Muhammad Ali’s legacy of promoting respect, inspiring the next generation of changemakers, and advocating for social justice.
Whether you are a fan or not, you will gain a new understanding of the championship boxer and his life.
Click here for more information about the Center and click here for additional information about accommodations, other attractions, and places to eat.
Thanks for the post! Ali was a true American hero. A great boxer, a principled man who cared deeply about helping Americans, especially those of his community.