This is a poignant way to honor the legacy of “The Greatest.”
After legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali died Friday night, CrowdRise launched a fundraiser in his name. All donations will support the Muhammad Ali Center, a museum dedicated to maintaining the boxer's legacy by promoting community service and social justice.
Ali is not just celebrated for his achievements in sports: He's known for his radical political stances, his fierce defense of racial justice, as well as his humanitarianism.
In 1998, the three-time World Heavyweight Champion was named a U.N. Messenger of Peace in recognition of his humanitarian efforts, including bringing food and medical supplies to hospitals and orphanages in Africa and Asia, according to the UN.
In 2005, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with then-President George W. Bush calling him “a fighter and a man of peace.” He opened the Muhammad Ali Center that same year with some inspiring words
“I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given...I believed in myself and I believe in the goodness of others." Ali said, according to the Austin Times. "Many fans wanted to build a museum to acknowledge my achievements. I wanted more than a building to house my memorabilia. I wanted a place that would inspire people to be the best that they could be at whatever they chose to do, and to encourage them to be respectful of one another.”
It seems that he achieved his vision:
The Center hosts educational programs, like the Youth Collaborative, which has students explore issues of poverty and how to tackle them with business ideas.
It houses cultural events, like the Black Film Festival in February, which screens iconic movies from Black cinema, followed by conversations on social justice.
Finally, the Center gives out an annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, to shine a light on other change makers. In 2015, Harry Belafonte was awarded for social justice activism and Geena Davis for women's rights advocacy.
To honor Ali's legacy by supporting the Muhammad Ali Center, donate at CrowdRise or through the widget below.
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