Every once in a while - someone comes along and does something magical - that touches many and prevokes thoughts contemporary of yesteryear. This artful rendering of Muhammed Ali by the extra-ordinary use of 1300 punching bags is absolutely Wonderful!
On March 25, 2011 Californian artist Michael Kalish will unveil his Muhammed Ali art installation in Los Angeles entitled "reALIze"
Being the only caucasian male in an all Negro/Puerto Rican High School in NYC - it was trying times after Federal Law began to enforce desegregation of schools. Going to the school was a personal choice that enraged my father (who had chosen the more prestiguous Stuyvesant for me). What kept our minds off the bulk BS was my joy love of Basketball and Muhammed Ali's return to boxing.
Ali's split decisions with Norton, Madison Square Garden Frazier and Rumble to the Jungle were so desired by the public = Not even Frank Sinatra could get tickets to the MSG fight. Eventhough I had been promised a seat thru a connection noteworthy - I was unable to go. Nuts as I was - also trying to fly to Africa - to see Rumble in the Jungle; and failed that quest also.
To this day - Muhammed Ali remains an inspiration to many (especially yours truly). He had a personality that poked fun at the norm often. His stance on the Vietnam War and refusal to be drafted is not only infamous - it should serve us all well as a historical lesson; the man gave up a World Kingship - to stand by his beliefs.
I can still remember - as if it were yesterday - the chants of " Ali boom ba yay" (bomaye, boombayay etc). A wonderful chant that literally ment "Kill him". It was referencing George Foreman - whom the American press (including pal Howard Kosel) gave Ali no human chance of coming out unharmed - much less winning.
WikiPedia has irked me much these days. It has taken down Paul Traub's details of bad faith - refused to allow the story of Richard Fine to be placed upon their precious pages -
Wikipedia gives a linear accounting of Muhammed Ali ( here ) .
What remains immortalized is a fact that Ali the man will be remembered throughout history as a pure giant among the human race. He stood toe to toe with physical giants and made us remember "What's my name". As Ali punished Terrell for 15 rounds - when Terrell unwisely chose to make mockery of Ali's dedication to his new faith and his name change.
It was shortly after that fight - that the powers that be - including big government; became so scared of Ali's growing popularity and his willingness to stand tall for what he believed - they charged him with a crime and stripped him of his license to box. The powers that be did everything they could to destroy a man for his chutzpah; without the use of brute force or a gun against him.
The one thing WikiPedia does have correct - are these immortal words of Muhammed Ali - that stand true today;
Quotes about Vietnam war
“ I ain't got no quarrel with the Vietcong. No Vietcong ever called me Nigger.[21] ”
“ No, I am not going 10,000 miles to help murder kill and burn other people to simply help continue the domination of white slavemasters over dark people the world over. This is the day and age when such evil injustice must come to an end.[22] ”
“ Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?[21]
In this posters puny quest against federal corruption - a man like Muhammed Ali and his win against tyranny & corruption - shall remain inspirational. Though he is not Ghandi or Mandella - his willingness to sacrifice is undeniable and the fact is - like Mandella and Ghandi - he did irrefutably win.
Muhammed Ali embodies this Declaration of Independence statement exactly;
"When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them [patriots] under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security"
Many Kudos to you Mr. Muhammed Ali -
This is the Official Ali website here
Muhammed Ali was an Athlete, Icon, Hero and Inspiration - who shall go down in history for being one of those rare human giant's upon the earth who actually made a difference!
Though they state in historical record that Ali was a 3 time World Boxing Champion;
the fact of the matter is such implies fleeting title and gets it wrong.
Muhammed Ali always was and always will be Champion of the American spirit and Hero to the human race!