” Fly Like A Butterfly, And Sting Like A Bee ”
Boxing Champion and legend, Muhammad Ali died on Friday [June 3rd] in Phoenix; he was 74 . Ali was surrounded by his nine children, wife, and grandchildren in his final moments and crossed over peacefully said his family. Ali’s Daughter, Hana Ali was filled with emotion and tears, as she talked about the final hours with her father. Hana told CNN, that even in his last moments he was at peace and full of light.
We shared stories, and each of us took turn and whispered to him how much they loved him dearly.
Laila Ali spoke with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America this morning and admits that her ‘sadness’ began when she witness her father’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease, but she’d learn to push through by cherishing moments with her dad. ” I felt like he was trapped inside his body, but I have comfort in knowing that he is not suffering anymore.
After three years of his retirement in 1981, Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; a neuro-brain disorder that altered his speech, facial features, and muscle movement. Many have speculated that his numerous fights may have contributed to the disease. His daughter Maryum Ali said Ali never claimed self-guilt for his illness nor did he seek ‘pity’ because of it.
Ali’s ‘I Am The Greatest Persona’ traveled outside of the boxing ring, and while the disease was taking a physical toll on his body, he never allowed it to ‘dim his ‘light’. To Ali, Parkinson’s disease was a great ‘challenge’ placed upon his life’s path. During an interview with Bryant Gumble, Muhammad Ali responded the following about his Parkinson’s disease.
I see it as a trial from Allah. God trials in you wealth, in fame, and in failure, So I don’t know what’s in store – Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is a three time heavy weight title champion, with 56 pro fights wins under his belt, an Olympic gold medalist and undoubtedly, the ‘People’s Champ’.
” I knew my dad was special when I was young. Everywhere we’d go he’d stop for people, talk to them four hours, and do magic tricks and stuff. – Laila Ali“
” My dad was speaking for people who couldn’t speak for themselves. When I think of athletes, you just don’t see that anymore.
There will never be another like him. When I think of my dad I think of Nelson Mandela and people like that. –Laila Ali “
” He Would Give Up Fame, Give Up Millions, For His Beliefs – MLK “
Growing up in a segregated neighborhood as a child, Ali was much aware of the racial divide in America and ‘ill’ treatment of his people; hence his refusal to be drafted in the U.S. army during the Vietnam War. Ali’s anti-establishment ‘persona’ placed him on the target list of the COINTELPRO. Ali avoided a jail sentence but his boxing license was revoked for three and a half years during the prime of his career.
” Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville area are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights. No, I’m not going 10,000 miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world over.
This is the day such evils must come to an end. I have been warned that to take such a stand would cost me millions of dollars. The real enemy of my people is here. I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom, and equality. If I thought the war was going to bring freedom and equality to 22 million of my people they wouldn’t have to draft me, I’d join tomorrow. I have nothing to lose by standing up for my beliefs. So, I’ll go to jail, so what? We’ve been in jail for 400 years. – Muhammad Ali “
As Ali said: ” Boxing Was Nothing. It Wasn’t Important At All, Boxing Was A Way To Introduce Me To The World “. Ali was a social activist and philanthropist outside of the ring. The once outspoken poet and trash talking boxer made a spiritual transformation once he converted to Islam. Ali joined the Nation Of Islam in 1975 .
Similar to Malcolm X, Ali made the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which inspired him greatly; having met people of different colors from all over the world. Ali’s outlook on life changed significantly, and he would spend the remainder of his life serving God, Allah by uniting people. Ali gave generously to many charitable causes, spoke at various institutions spreading the true meaning of Islam; a religion of peace.
Muhammad Ali is the only one whose name is not on the floor of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Ali refused to allow the name given to him by the prophet to be trampled over; and his request was granted. To date, Muhammad Ali’s hollywood star hangs on the wall.
Muhammad [worthy of all praise] Ali [most high] was truly the G.O.A.T.
One Love PLUMS!