Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali
“Float like a butterfly sting like a bee.” This is one of the most famous quotes by the best boxer of time, Muhammad Ali. I strongly believe that on the Black History month Mount Rushmore, Muhammad Ali should have a place on it for his head.
On January 17, 1942 in the city of Louisville, Kentucky a miracle was born. Facing racial prejudice in the south Muhammad Ali wasn't afraid of any fight. When he was just 12 he got his bike stolen, and Ali reported it to an officer, and stated that he wanted to punch the kid that stole his bike. From this I think that he is very determined to be a boxer at a young age. The police officer, Joe Martin, also owned a boxing ring. He trained lots of young boxers, including Ali. So, just because of a stolen bike, a legend’s career started. A legend that will soon have is face on a mountain.
To be on Mount Rushmore someone would have had lots of accomplishments, just like Ali in the ring. In 1954, Ali started off his career with a split decision win. In the 60s, Muhammad Ali won all his bouts proving that he deserves a spot on Mt. Rushmore. He also won his first golden gloves in 1956. Then went on to win golden gloves again, leaving a legacy behind him. Also winning a gold medal he would be the first gold medal winner on Mt. Rushmore. He won the heavyweight title. Then he lost it to Trevor Berbick. He didn't give up though, just like all the presidents on Mt. Rushmore today. He may have lost his heavyweight title but I know that Ali doesn't give up. So, he went to win it, TWO more times. Being the first boxer to win a heavy weight title three times. If you haven’t already started sculpting his head you better start now.
After his retirement Muhammad Ali focused on philanthropy. As a retired boxer he started the Muhammad Ali Parkinson center in Phoenix. He has also gone to help in many countries to help the less fortunate. For me it seems like he took is own time and money to help these people, a trait perfect for a head on the new Mt. Rushmore. In 1998, he was declared the U.N. messenger of peace. Then in 2005 president George W. Bush gave him the Medal of Freedom. A prestigious award, given to the highest civilian of the U.S. If Muhammad Ali can be considered the highest civilian of the United States then he should easily get a spot on the Black History Month Mount Rushmore.
As a result of all the things Muhammad Ali did in and out of the ring his head will get a spot on the BHM Mt. Rushmore. With all he has endured and all the medals he has earned whether it is a Gold Medal or Medal of Freedom. Muhammad Ali is one of the most deserving people to be on Mount Rushmore.
Works Cited
“Muhammad Ali.” Biography. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Muhammad Ali Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, 2001. Web. 19 Mar. 2015.
“Muhammad Ali.” History Channel. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
Tessitore, John. “Muhammad Ali the World’s Champion.” Danbury: A Division of Grolier, 1998.
Print.
Heller, Dick. "Dundee Transformed Ali from Boxer to Icon." The Washington Times (Washington,
DC). N.p., 8 Feb. 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2015.
“Muhammad Ali.” Biography. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
"Muhammad Ali Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, 2001. Web. 19 Mar. 2015.
“Muhammad Ali.” History Channel. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
Tessitore, John. “Muhammad Ali the World’s Champion.” Danbury: A Division of Grolier, 1998.
Print.
Heller, Dick. "Dundee Transformed Ali from Boxer to Icon." The Washington Times (Washington,
DC). N.p., 8 Feb. 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2015.