Muhammad Ali was a boxer known for his courage both in and out of the ring. He overcame challenges like racism, fear of flying, and resisting the Vietnam war for religious reasons. Ali fought for years to regain his boxing license after being stripped of his title for refusing to serve, showing determination and dignity. Though he lost titles at times, he persisted and reclaimed the heavyweight championship, demonstrating ambition and discipline. Ali inspired many with his spiritual beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam war, making him a courageous leader.

1. TWELVE ROUNDS to GLORYThe Story of Muhammad Ali Written By: Charles R. Smith Jr. Presentation By: Oren Buchler 1

2. Timeline Of Cassius Clay’s Life 2 1960 1964 1966 1967 1954 His bike was stolen at the fair. He went to a cop and said, “I’m gonna whup whoever it was that stole my bike.” Courage- determined to fight back. Made it onto the US Olympic boxing team. Had to fly to Rome even though he feared flying. Courage – Conquered his fear of flying and was strong. After winning a gold medal, Clay spoke out against racism. Courage- strong communicator and leader From 1960-64 he won 17 fights in a row. Courage- Powerful and goal-oriented. In 1964, he wins the heavy weight title from Sonny Liston. Courage – focused and driven to win. Cassius Clay converts to Islam becomes Muhammad Ali Courage- religious Ali requests not to be sent to the war in Vietnam for religious reasons. Courage- Inspiring and Spiritual From 1966 to 1971 Ali fights to earn back his boxing license and to have criminal charges dropped against him. Courage – Determined and dignified. Ali had to give up his champion status because he resisted going to war. Courage – Religious and passionate Ali went to colleges throughout the U.S. and spoke out against the Vietnam War. Courage – Inspiring and spiritual 1971 1974 1996 Ali lost his title match to Joe Frazier. Courage - Humility Ali reclaims the heavy weight title, never having given up. Courage – Persistent, disciplined and ambitious Ali lights the Olympic torch in Atlanta, GA. Courage – Poised and courageous

3. A Room For Muhammad Ali 3 This room would be a large round indoor room, with a glass domed ceiling. The room would have a boxing ring in the center with six marble pillars surrounding it. Each of the pillars would be supporting the domed ceiling. The pillars would each have one of his core beliefs engraved in large letters on them: Respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, and spirituality. The natural light from the glass ceiling would illuminate the pillars and their engravings. There would also be a glass case around the outside of the room that would hold every pair of boxing gloves that Ali wore, and it would also hold all of his trophies and belts. This room would be the center piece of a possible museum or memorial.

4. 4 Religious “If God’s with me, can’t nobody be against me” -Cassius Clay “God gave me Parkinson’s syndrome to show me I’m not ‘the greatest’- he is.” -Muhammad Ali

5. 5 Inspiring “How can I kill somebody when I pray five times a day for peace?” -Muhammad Ali

6. 6 Confident “Joe Frazier is too ugly to be champ. Joe Frazier is too dumb to be champ. The heavyweight champion should be smart and pretty like me” -Muhammad Ali

7. “Allah” You Can Eat

8. 8 Presidential Medal of Freedom

9. 9 This is a song from the 1970’s, called Black Superman, written by Johnny Wakelin. I chose this song because it gives a quick summary of Muhammad Ali’s life and I like the beat and the words. The beat is uplifting and happy. The words tell a story about the man and his life.