Muhammad Ali Memory

While thinking about a piece to write….. a photo and a coffee table book kept staring me right in the face when I dusted. 

For some time now I’ve encouraged my daughter Dorothy, a retired educator, to write about Muhammad Ali. She said, “Mom this is not of interest to your viewers.” So, with her help on details I will write this memory.

She knew him to be a very generous man who volunteered time to visit her school. He visited the school on numerous occasions. His mother lived in the school reside area. 

Sometimes when in town Ali just stopped by to surprise and motivate the students. He would do magic tricks, talk with the kids, and shadow box with the teachers.  He anonymously donated shoes for students in need at Christmas. One planned event he participated in was a Fall Festival. 

Muhammad donated his time and more. Students and families were allowed to take photos with him at no cost. This was well before iPhone cameras were in every hand. So, a photographer and developing photos was an expense.

The turn-out to meet Ali was of course huge. The school connection with Ali was one of her colleagues. This teacher was his childhood friend. This friend called in “markers” as old friends do from time to time. My husband Russ has always been a fan of Muhammad. 

Years ago Ali was a young amateur boxer in Louisville. He and other young men trained with a police officer, Joe Martin at the Spalding College gym. Our friend and neighbor, Dr. Leonard Goddy was one of the doctors on call. On several occasions Russ would go along and sit on the side with Leonard to watch these young men train.  At that time Muhammad was an unknown to the world.  But, as Russ remembers….he was light on his feet and quick.

Around the early 90’s a pictorial history was published, Muhammad Ali - A Thirty Year Journey copyright 1993 by Howard L. Bingham. Knowing how her dad had followed Ali Dorothy bought one as a birthday gift. She knew from conversation with her school friend that Ali was in town. Muhammad’s mother was ill in the hospital and he came to be with her.  Dorothy mentioned to her friend she had this gift and said, “ Do you think Muhammad would mind autographing this book for dad?”  What he did amazed us and has been a treasured book and memory.  

Dorothy’s friend returned the book just in time for her to wrap it for her dad’s birthday. She checked the inside of the cover, and Ali wrote “ Happy Birthday to the world’s greatest Dad……from the World’s Greatest Champ, Muhammad Ali.”
Dorothy loved this inscription and wrapped the book. When her dad opened his gift of course he was surprised, loved the book and the message. However, there was more. Ali had written his name several times throughout the picture book. At the time of his life when he was called Cassius Clay, he penned Cassius Clay.

Later as the photos moved through his life showing different life events…….he later became Muhammad Ali. We counted and he signed Cassius Clay 4 times and Muhammad Ali 15 times. Dorothy’s colleague told her Muhammad spent the entire weekend at the hospital with his mom. He sat with the book for three days. Looking at the photo I am sure he was reminiscing and remembering his life story. So generous of him to not only autograph but to sign the book so many times.

Mildred Thought for the Day:

This is far from my typical hometown memory from The Lane. Regardless of your opinion of this world renown man I wanted to share our memory. Dorothy said……..every one has good deeds that go unknown. She was blessed to have experienced and witness what few know about Muhammad Ali.