Comments on: Want to Be the World’s Most Famous Person? It’s Possible in Louisville.

By: Sunder iyer

Sunder iyer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:18:27 +0000

Growing up as a kid in India, we were exposed to stories of Muhammed Ali and some of his great boxing fights. The fact that our school curriculum had an entire chapter in our English syllabus speaks volumes of his achievements, and that we had to interpret his achievements, in many ways am thankful today for having been exposed to these at that young age. Being those vicarious and energetic kids that we were, Ali was a legend to us all, and we would emulate those boxing moves , his fists and more so the precise foot work , which was more like a ballet in the ring, which of course had those deadly endings, which we loved. It was an amazing chemistry of grace and power as we watched these on our small black & white TV’s and yet those moves, his expressions, his feet, his fierce words so indelibly ingrained in our grey cells and etched forever in our minds.
Coming into Louisville, from New Jersey, had my doubts about moving here, for it felt like I was moving from a bustling city to some remote village. Having landed here and later driving into downtown from the airport, happened to see the name Clay Street, immediately a questioned popped in my mind, could this be what I am thinking …..Cassius Clay….Muhammed Ali!!!!
My thoughts were confirmed the next day when I found out I was in the city where Muhammed Ali grew up and my joy knew no bounds and the alien fear that I came with suddenly melted and the curiosity got a better hold of me. I remember being on the phone that night calling all my family and friends back in India telling them I was in the city of “THE ALI”……
Muhammed Ali has always stood for that timely courage and sense of perseverance among those darkest of moments and elevating yourself to come out as being an ICON, to let folks know that no matter what circumstances we come from, and what life throws at us, there is still that inner sense which persists among every one of us to MAKE IT BIG, DREAM BIG, LIVE BIG!!!!!

By: Celia Thompson

Celia Thompson — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:39:52 +0000

Ali, You were the greatest. You were a pioneer in your time. You made the sport of boxing an everyday icon. Your witty limericks were recited by school children and teens daily as we all cheered on your wins and accomplishments. We were proud of you when you lit the torch at the Olympics. We love seeing you at various events around the world and even in our community of Louisville. (U of L football and basketball games). Louisville and the world loves you, Ali. You are a thrill-a in the Vill-a.

By: Clarissa Duvall

Clarissa Duvall — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:58:56 +0000

Muhammed Ali represents every man! He is truly the greatest in many ways as he so often proclaimed. We are so fortunate that he has such strong Louisville roots.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:06:18 +0000

I’m Kelly’s real mother.

By: Pat

Pat — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:53:17 +0000

I have 2 distinct memories of Muhammad Ali. The first one I was a young teenage girl waiting at the corner to cross the street when Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) and his brother stopped their car, spoke to me and let me cross. How sweet. Another time was many years later I was working downtown when a limo stopped and Muhammad Ali and his wife got out of the car. Immediately a small crowd gathered. Mr. Ali did not say anything but very patiently he handed the people a pamphlet that he had autograped. He has such a quiet stillness and peace about him that you can feel his love and he is such a gentleman. Louisville and Ali just go together and he is recognized the world over.

By: Dennis Shaffner

Dennis Shaffner — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:27:34 +0000

The Ali Center represents everything positive in the world that many organizations wish to accomplish. One day an international peace conference will be held in Louisville at the Ali Center to match the global wish for peace and unity among all people, all nationa, all religions. That will happen in this century.

By: kelly mcknight

kelly mcknight — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:22:41 +0000

Late in my life, my mother told me Cassius Clay was secretly her lover and my father. She didn’t realize he changed his name to Muhammad Ali so she never contacted him about me.

Since I never had the opportunity to meet the great man, winning the book would make me feel a whole lot better.

BTW, she did say he was “the greatest”.

By: John

John — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:15:37 +0000

Muhammad Ali:
Man, Ubiquitous, Hero, Atlas, Magnificent, Munificent, Advocate, Devoted – All Louisville Included

By: Farzad

Farzad — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:10:51 +0000

During an era when race was a source of ugly differences, prejudice and resentment, Ali made race completely irrelevant with his grace, skills and his infectious smile. The whole country seemed like a unit when it came to issues surrounding him. If we could re-live the history, we would truely appreciate his greatness. I am proud he was, is and will forever remain The SON of Louisville.

By: Eric Wiegel

Eric Wiegel — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:49:38 +0000

While I was on the Board of the St. John’s Center for the Homeless in the mid-1990’s, I was able to arrange a visit by Muhammad Ali. Mr. Ali came in and spent time with those men who were at the Center that morning. It was such a thrill to see the overwhelming response that Ali gave to those men in need of an uplifting experience. Hugs, pictures, and autographs were plentiful. To this day,I will never forget the graciousness that Muhammad showed to every person at the St. John Center that day. It truly showed the Spirit of a great Louisvillian.