Essay On Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali (formerly Cassius Clay) is an icon known the world over. While most of his fame undoubtedly arises from his achievements within the ropes of the squared circle Muhammad Ali is also remembered for his pro-Civil Rights stance and criticism of the oppressive United States government of the time, most notably his claims for conscientious objector status and refusal to fight in the Vietnam War on the behalf of a racist government. (Al Jazeera, 2017)

Widely regarded as the greatest pound-for-pound heavyweight boxer in history - having won the illustrious strap 3 times in his professional career, once at the age of 32 against the younger and stronger George Foreman in Zaire - Muhammad Ali’s role as a civil activist is closely intertwined

In his autobiography, Malcolm X declared that Ali "captured the imagination and support of the entire dark world". Despite Nation of Islam members being encouraged to not participate in political proceedings Muhammad Ali continued to bolster the Civil Rights Movement by appearing at key gatherings and organised political events. Muhammad Ali received praise from many other key civil activists of the time. The Congress of Racial Equality's (CORE) Floyd McKissick said: "Ali was one of the greatest living Americans because he is one of the few people who lives by his convictions." Stokely Carmichael, the famous political activist, called him "my hero". Despite his primary career as an athlete Muhammad Ali was able to capture the imaginations and attention of the entire world, regardless of creed or colour. (Al Jazeera,

The FBI began monitoring Muhammad Ali in 1966. The basis for this investigation was almost entirely racially motivated. Tabs were kept on Muhammad Ali and memos were made describing his civilian life, such as his giving of a speech at a mosque where he discusses his dissatisfaction with the “white man” after the efforts to strip him of his heavyweight title. The FBI also monitored Muhammad Ali’s personal life. One memo stated : “The Miami (FBI) office is requested to follow the divorce action between Cassius and Sonja Clay with particular emphasis being placed on any NOI (Nation of Islam) implication being brought into this matter.” (HuffPost, 2017) Muhammad Ali continued his role as spokesperson and celebrity figurehead for the Nation of Islam. Gene Killroy, Muhammad Ali’s friend, has this to say about Muhammad Ali’s relationship with Elijah Muhammad before his famous bout with George Foreman : “Right before the fight, Ali got a phone call from Elijah Muhammad, who said: 'How can Foreman beat you? You've got Allah on your side!' That was Ali's booster rocket, that's why he had no fear. “(BBC Sport, 2017) However, Muhammad Ali’s affliction with the Nation of Islam was not to last forever. In his later years Muhammad Ali denounced the separatist agenda of the Nation of Islam and adopted