I AM THE GREATEST - Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali (or Cassius Clay depending on how you want to call him)’s death took a toll upon many people, and rightfully so. The man meant so much to so many. Whether you knew him simply for his athletic feats, or more for his role an activist and philanthropist, or as an advocate for Parkinson’s disease, you knew he did great things.
Personally, Muhammad Ali stood as a symbol for all of these things. That is why, just this past week, I was so moved by how the ESPYS (ESPN’s annual awards show) ended their broadcast. They allowed Chance the Rapper to perform an emotional tribute to the many who impacted everyone at the award show. Not to mention that Chance is my favorite artist out currently, but regardless of who it was performing the tribute was absolutely incredible. It featured a full choir, and sound clips from Ali himself speaking to a child. Ali, despite being a fearsome opponent and one of the biggest trash talkers of all time, loved children and would always allow children to speak with him candidly.
The performance got a standing ovation from all of those in attendance and was introduced by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of Ali’s closest friends and brother of Islam. Abdul-Jabbar told a story of seeing Ali doing magic tricks for passers-by on Hollywood Blvd. Can you imagine if that happened today? Quite literally the most famous person in the world, just having fun with the general public. A truly magnificent image of just who the man was, a fun loving person who tried his best to use his celebrity to help others.
The totality of it all - an introduction by a near friend of close to Ali’s age, a performance by a well-known activist and artist of a younger generation, on one of the biggest stages in sports- created an undeniably tear-jerking combination that was well deserved by the one they call “The Greatest.” In simple terms, a man who has long been retired from boxing is stilled called “The Champ” by all. He is the champion, of activism and advocacy. This is a man who went to jail for his cause. Whether you supported that cause or not, you have to respect that dedication.
Ali will no doubt be remembered as just that, The Greatest. And his legacy will live forever, and I believe this performance will go down as a part of that. It was truly that incredible. I’ve posted the video of this performance here. I hope you will enjoy it and cherish just as much as I did as a fan of sports, activism and Ali.
