January 27
Research Paper
Boyd/Gravelle
Muhammad Ali
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” -Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali has changed, and made a huge impact on the way society is shaped and built today. Ali has endured and consumed the hatred and fear towards African-Americans and himself all resulting in the color of his skin, and choices that he has chosen to make in his life. Ali has lead a great impact on men, women and children of all shapes, sizes and color. Without the strength and power of Muhammad Ali, society would be changed as a whole and the lives of African-Americans could still be viewed poorly. …show more content…
In 1962, at the age of 20, Muhammad Ali decided to join the Nation of Islam and change his given name to Muhammad Ali. Ali says that “Cassius Clay is a slave name, didn't choose it, and I didn't want it, I am Muhammad Ali, a free name – it means beloved of God – and I insist people use it when speaking to me and of me." (independent.co.uk) Ali was famous for mainly his boxing career, but also because of his conversion to become Islamic. Being born into a christian family, his conversion shocked Americans and many other people. Befriended by Malcolm X, Ali joined the Nation of Islam