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February 7th, 2023
African American Pioneers Essay
Throughout history, multiple people have become activists for minorities. These people have had a huge effect on society and one of these people is Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali was a legendary Muslim, African American, boxer who was an activist for the people in need of rights. He contributed to not only the world of athletics, but also the world of minorities.
Muhammad Ali was born in Cassius Clay in 1942 in Louisville Kentucky. He was discriminated against as a child since he was raised in the South during a time when it was segregated or divided based on race or religion. He originally started boxing at the age of 8 because a kid stole his bicycle. After his bike was stolen, Ali told a police officer, Joe Martin,
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"Well, you better learn how to fight before you start challenging people,” said Martin at the time. This immediately motivated him to start boxing.
Muhammad attend Central High school, however mainly focused on his boxing which lead to him not going to college. Immediately after graduation, he attended the 1960 Olympics and won his first gold medal. Due to his perseverance in the face of the atheistic society's hate for minorities, he paved the road for equal rights in sports. "Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn't choose it, and I didn't want it," he said. "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." Muhammad stood up for the freedom of people in need of rights.
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Muhammad Ali was an inspiration to all minorities that everyone can live up to their dreams no matter your race or belief. He fought for the rights of minorities and expressed this is multiple ways. This man will always be remembered as a legendary boxer and activist.
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