[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 96 (Thursday, June 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MUHAMMAD ALI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Louisville, Kentucky's Muhammad Ali.
  Muhammad was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., to the late Mr. 
Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr., and Mrs. Odessa Grady Clay. In 1954, at 
the age of twelve, Muhammad Ali began his boxing career, and at the age 
of 18 he won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
  At age 22, Muhammad Ali defeated Charles ``Sonny'' Liston and became 
the youngest World's Heavyweight Champion. He announced to the world 
two days following that fight that he had adopted the beliefs and 
traditions of the Islam and had become a member of the Nation of Islam.
  Cassius Clay soon took the name ``Muhammad Ali'' on March 6, 1964. 
The name was given to him by Elijah Muhammad. His conversion to Islam 
soon caused criticism from many white Americans and in response he 
stated, ``I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used 
to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not 
yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.''
  Due to his religious beliefs, Ali refused induction into the United 
States Armed Forces; consequently being sentenced to five years in 
prison. In 1971, his conviction was overturned; however, he was 
stripped of his title and banned from fighting causing him to think he 
would never be allowed the opportunity to box again. However, three 
years later he was permitted to return to the boxing ring.
  Muhammad Ali's acceptance of the Islamic philosophies impacted the 
mindsets of many Americans especially those in opposition of the 
Vietnam War and those in opposition to white supremacy.
  He altered the teachings of Elijah Muhammad by embracing all people 
and preparation for his own afterlife. He proclaimed that the 
separatist doctrine was no longer a belief of the Nation of Islam for 
it represented the time of their struggle in the dark and a time of 
confusion in them.
  As an athlete, Muhammad Ali rarely received the respect owed due to 
his conviction and strong commitment to what was perceived as an 
unorthodox religion. He stood proud and did not allow the criticism of 
the American people to deter his will to serve within his religion and 
to reign as a champion in the ring.
  Muhammad Ali's actions influenced the image of black Americans by 
giving them courage to overcome their fear by addressing racism and 
demanding respect as a people.
  Muhammad Ali is a recipient of many awards including: National Golden 
Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion, National Amateur Athletic Union 
champion, National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion, National 
Amateur Athletic Union champion, Gold medal in the Rome Olympics, World 
Heavyweight Champion, Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Award, Sportsman 
of the Year for Sports Illustrated, Fighter of the Year from the Boxing 
Writers Association, Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas 
Southern University, and countless other awards and distinctions.
  Muhammad Ali leaves behind a host of family and friends and nine 
children: Maryum, Jamillah, Rasheda, Laila, Hana, Miya, Khaliah, 
Muhammad Ali, Jr. and Asaad Amin. In his death we find few people who 
do not admire him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the boxing 
icon, Muhammad Ali, for his courageous convictions.

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