Muhammad Ali Birmingham Essay

Ben Mitchell

Cowdry

Pre-AP ELA

14 March 2023 The Sea of Judgment Muhammad Ali, a name many people immediately place as the first person to become a three time heavyweight champion of the world, was a hero to countless. Both in and out of the ring, Ali fought for what he believed in. The man was often seen speaking out about the need for equality and religious freedom. Analogous to Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Muhammad Ali was an astounding hero who was both very outspoken and determined. Indistinguishable to Muhammad Ali, Atticus Finch was quite outspoken about how mistreated African-Americans were. Both he and Muhammad believed the lack of equality was a major issue. On many occasions

To see such discriminatory things so often, “It bothered him, even as a young child, to see that blacks were not allowed into many [places]” (Micklos Jr. 15). Ali truly struggled against white supremacy for much of his life, and he worked with others to help end it. By doing this, the great champion started his journey becoming a symbol for others to truly become the “Greatest” they can. Similarly, Atticus Finch was with no doubt, willing to say what he believed in. When Atticus took upon the case of Tom Robinson, he tried to help others realize that, “‘There is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller... that institution, gentleman, is a court…Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are

The two were also looked at as having considerable amounts of determination to succeed despite the situation. Muhammad Ali demonstrated such things all throughout his life. According to Ali prior to a rematch with Leon Spinks, "I’ve worked this hard for a fight before, but never, never for this long…All the time, I’m in pain; I hurt all over. I hate it, but I’m taking it. I know this is my last fight, and it’s my last time I’ll ever have to do it” (Micklos Jr. 104). Ali had to have great determination to be a champion. He was embarrassed that he lost to an inexperienced Leon Spinks and wanted to reclaim what was his. He expressed great spirit to be hit hard and come back. That takes a great amount of courage that numerous people don’t have. He once even boxed through the pain of a broken jaw against a fighter named Ken Norton. In the end, he lost in a split decision, but he went the distance and pushed through to the end. Thereby representing for many people to never give up even in the most dire of situations. Now, Atticus Finch may be the distinct opposite of a fighter, in fact, he opposed violence; but he still had ways of showing his determination and courage. One of the most significant being the will power he required to defend Tom since he knew it was going to be a rough journey. Along that journey, Atticus was criticized, shamed, and even spat on. Still, he never resorted