Ali The Champ exhibit at Muhammad Ali Center; (c) Soul Of America
Muhammad Ali – Life of A Hero
Muhammad Ali Center (MAC) held its grand opening ceremony on 18-20 November 2005 at the center and the gala next door at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. The MAC is the definitive repository of Ali’s biographical materials. A native of Louisville, Ali’s backstory is covered from his roots to his boxing career, his societal and religious convictions, his stand against the unjust Vietnam War, and global humanitarianism, which will come alive through both integrated and stand-alone experiences.
This is the real deal in his life, even the parts he regrets and has apologized for, like the insensitive remarks about Joe Frazier and George Foreman. Perhaps, more than anything, you see the evolution of the most recognized person in the world in the 20th century. If you want to absorb Ali’s life and accomplishments, plan on spending a full day at the MAC. Or better yet, make that 2 days if you want to super-size the experience – it’s that rich.
The 103,000-square-foot building is located downtown overlooking the Ohio River. It features a grand lobby, tons of exhibit space, educational classrooms, distance learning facilities, orientation theatre, interactive multimedia learning experiences, technological personalized guides, an auditorium, five exploratory galleries, a temporary gallery, a library/archives, a retail shop, and café. Speaking to its broader mission of peacemaking, the function rooms seat up to 300 people. Let us pray that mankind will use this worthy facility early and often. See http://www.alicenter.org
President Bill Clinton delivered the best comment of the night when he said of Muhammad Ali, “Here is a powerful example, not an example of power.” Kris Kristofferson, Ali’s friend for over 30 years, performed You Gotta Serve Somebody and Here Comes the Rainbow Again. Below is a partial list of other MAC grand opening gala attendees on 19 November 2005:
Angelo Dundee – Ali’s boxing manager
Howard Bingham – Ali’s photographer
Evander Holyfield – former heavyweight boxing champ
Lennox Lewis – former heavyweight boxing champ
Ina Bond – Chairperson of the Muhammad Ali Center
John Brown -Kentucky Governor
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Burt Sugarman – boxing commentator
Bryant Gumbel – sports commentator
Bob Costas – sports commentator
Tavis Smiley – talk show host
Sir David Frost – talk show host
David Novak – talk show host
Matt Lauer – talk show host
Montel Williams – talk show host
Mykelti Williamson – the actor who played Don King in the Ali movie
Ernie Orozco – Howard Cosell impersonator
Chris Tucker – comedian
Jim Carrey – comedian
Kathleen Battle – Opera singer
Ruben Studdard – R&B singer
Mavis Staples – Soul singer
Bebe & Cecie Winans – Gospel singers
Herbie Hancock – Jazz musician
James Taylor – Pop singer & songwriter
Wynonna Judd – Country singer
Alan Houston – pro basketball player
And of course, Muhammad and Lonnie Ali attended.