Research Guides: Muhammad Ali: Biography

Muhammad Ali (January 17, 1942 - June 3, 2016)

It helped that Ali came of age in a time, and in a country, when such things as race, religion and politics were being explored more openly than ever. Although most of the tension he liked to create—whether through cruelty to opponents or just unspeakable flamboyance—could be cut with that puckishness, he did have a serious side. Switching religions at age 22, converting to the Nation of Islam just as he was coming to real prominence, was not the move to make if marketing was your game, not while the black man was still being advised to follow the get-along mode. And risking jail, suffering exile, for an antiwar stand in 1966 was not something done out of playfulness. He had his convictions and he stuck to them, even if it meant paying a tremendous price. Continue . . .

Source: Hoffer, Richard. “Muhammad ALI 1942—2016. (Cover Story).” Sports Illustrated, vol. 124, no. 22, June 2016, p. 30. From Academic Search Complete database.

eBook Collection

Resources

Muhammad Ali Center Muhammad’s dream to share his inspiration with the world is being realized through the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The Ali Center appeals to the heart, spirit, and imagination. It inspires both children and adults to form new commitments in their lives in areas of personal growth, integrity, and respect for others, and it gives them the tools to make these commitments happen. Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74.
The Black Scholar Interviews: Muhammad Ali A reprint of an interview with boxer Muhammad Ali from the June 1970 issue of "Black Scholar," is presented. He discusses his opposition to the Vietnam War, the experience of African Americans in the United States, and the relationship between black men and black women. Other topics include boxer Joe Frazier, Muslim religious leader Elijah Muhammad, and Ali's suspension from boxing.
The Greatest Goodbye An obituary for boxer Muhammad Ali is presented.
What's in a Name? Muhammad Ali and the Politics of Cultural Identity Examines the reasons behind the influence of boxer Muhammad Ali as model for non-white communities, especially the Muslim and South Asian diaspora. Historical developments in his boxing career; Analysis on his role as symbol of anti-racism and the personification of an assertive black consciousness; Association between the appeal of Ali and the politics of identity and belonging.
The Trials of Muhammad Ali Community Cinema Discussion Guide

From Films On Demand database:

Muhammad Ali: In Their Own Words He changed boxing almost as much as he changed the world. Follow Muhammad Ali's rise from Columbia Gym in Louisville, Kentucky to international fame, as he transcended his great athletic achievements to become one of the most influential Americans of his time. His once-polarizing figure ultimately became a beloved and honored national hero. Witness key events unfold in Ali's life, including his stunning conversion to Islam and his change of name, his dramatic stand against the Vietnam-era draft, his three-year exile from the ring, his legendary comeback fights, his courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, and his inspirational reemergence on the world stage at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Hear from Ali’s daughters Laila and Maryum Ali, former wife Khalilah Camacho Ali, NFL great Jim Brown, boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, rappers and actors LL Cool J and Common, boxing promoter Bob Arum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Lloyd Price, and biographer Thomas Hauser. Distributed by PBS Distribution Distributed by PBS Distribution.
The Draft: Heavyweight Champion of the World Muhammad Ali refuses to participate in the war in Vietnam and becomes a lightning rod for the draft resistance movement. Donald Rumsfeld speaks about the unrest in Washington D.C. during the Vietnam War. Distributed by PBS Distribution.
Films featuring Muhammad Ali Parks writes about Muhammad Ali, a hero with fury in his fist. He tries to explain the rioting black man to the white man, and reflects on the dying black revolution.
Anti-War Movement As more U.S. troops went to Vietnam, public support decreased. Learn about Operation Cedar Falls. Muhammad Ali refused to join the army, encouraging young people to oppose the war.