Farewell to ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali

The World renown heavy hitter Muhammad Ali transitioned last week, and his memories continue to lead a heroic history. It feels good to have attended the same High School as he. An olympic gold medalist, poetic author, strong willed humanitarian, and the world’s GREATEST heavyweight boxing champion.Our shared high school, Louisville Central High School in the late 50’s was the only school that allowed African American youth to obtain an education. We were lucky to have stumbled upon a spirit of such greatness to grace our hallways.

Today we lay his body to rest and like many family gathering’s black folk go to Ali’s memorial service started an hour and a half late. Talk about a way to go out?! Still in 2016 carrying the title as The People’s Champ Muhammad Ali once again gathered the world to view his farewell. Thousands crowded the city streets chanting Ali. This was the memorial of a global monument. Will Smith (Actor), Mike Tyson(HeavyWeight Boxing Champion) and Lennox Lewis(HeavyWeight Boxing Champion) were pallbearers, along with other figures like  Bill Clinton (42nd U.S. President), and Bill Kristol (Founder of The Weekly Standard) in attendance with the thousands of spectators who came in town for the occasion.

His courageous character, zealous behavior, and rhythmic rhetoric, are with us forever and will continue to play as a major influence in millions of lives around the globe.

One of his many quotes that sits always with me.

“I am not afraid of dying, I have faith; I do everything I can to live my life right; and I believe that dying will bring me closer to God.” Muhammad Ali