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Home , Boxing ring, Ernie Terrell, Jerry Quarry, Muhammad Ali, Odessa Grady Clay, Sonny Liston

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FOR THE WEEK OF 75¢ PER COPY VOL. 53 NO. 27 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016 A LEE PUBLICATION www.SacObserver.com

1942 - 2016

PAGE 2 JUNE 2016 : A Voice Of Black Pride

or , the idea of being a hum- and frequently declared himself “pretty’’ and “the ed into the U.S. military to fight in Vietnam. He was ble athlete — someone pre-packaged and greatest.’’ convicted of , banned from and palatable for White America — was never an Many people had never heard a successful Black stripped of his title. option. Instead, he demanded respect not man talk about himself so boldly in front of Whites. When asked about his stance on the North F only as a boxer but as a brash, unbought And it made a difference, Ali biographer Thomas Vietnamese, Ali famously said: “They never called me and unbossed Black man and endeared himself to Hauser said. . They never lynched me. They didn’t put no “Every time that Muhammad Ali looked in the mir- dogs on me. They didn’t rob me of my nationality, By JESSE J. HOLLAND ror and said `I’m so pretty,’’ what he was really saying rape and kill my mother and father.’’ African-Americans as a symbol of Black pride. He — before it became fashionable — is `Black is beau- He was eventually cleared by the U.S. Supreme radiated courage and confidence, skill and showman- tiful,’’ Hauser said. “I can’t tell you how many people ... Court and won back his boxing title. With that, Ali ship. have come up to me and said, `Before Muhammad had defeated what many Blacks saw as a racist sys- “He became the incarnation of Black defiance, Ali, I thought it was better to be White than Black. I tem — regardless of whether Ali was right or wrong Black protest and Black excellence at the same time,’’ was ashamed of my color, and Ali made me proud. Ali in his particular stance. said Rev. , a longtime friend of Ali’s. made me just as happy to be Black as somebody else It would have been easier and more lucrative for Ali, who died at 74, gave voice to many being White.’’’ Ali to keep quiet and go along with what many in Blacks frustrated with a White society that asked Ali’s Blackness infused everything he did and White society wanted from him, said his longtime them to fight communism in Vietnam but openly everything he was. friend and sports commentator . They practiced segregation and discrimination at home. “If you wanted to make it in this country, you had wanted “a White man’s Black man,’’ Cosell once said. “At a time when Blacks who spoke up about injus- to be quiet, carry yourself in a certain way and not The has a long history of expecting tice were labeled uppity and often arrested under one say anything about what was going on, even though deference from Black athletes, said Clarence Lang, pretext or another, Muhammad willingly sacrificed the there was a knife sticking in your chest,’’ recalled the chairman of the African and African-American studies best years of his career to stand tall and fight for late Black journalist Gil Noble in an essay written by department at the University of Kansas. what he believed was right,’’ said retired NBA star Hauser. “The expectation is that you will keep your head Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who like Ali con- “Ali changed all of that. He just laid it down, that you don’t make White people uncomfort- verted to . Abdul-Jabbar was out and talked about racism and slav- able by being excellent and being mindful and out- among several prominent African- ery and all of that stuff. He put it on spoken about the fact that you are excellent,’’ Lang American athletes in the late the table. And everybody who was said. who supported for his Black, whether they said it overtly Ali didn’t do deference. religious beliefs and as a consci- or covertly, said ‘Amen.’’’ “I am America,’’ he boasted. “I am the part you entious objector to the Vietnam The day after winning his won’t recognize. But get used to me — Black, confi- War. first world heavyweight champi- dent, cocky. My name, not yours. My religion, not Unapologetically arrogant onship, Ali announced he had yours. My goals, my own.’’ about his looks and his skills, joined of Islam and The boxer “made people accept him as a man, as Ali taunted opponents by had shed his “slave’’ name of an equal, and he was not afraid to represent himself reciting playful poetry Cassius Clay. He refused to be draft- in that way,’’ NFL great said. Lang said it would be wrong to assume that Ali was beloved dur- ing his time as a boxing champ. ‘Get used to He stepped outside of the main- stream of the with some of his rhetoric, outside me — Black, of the religious community with his conversion to the and outside of the Black military community with his refusal to go to confident, Vietnam. “In some ways, Ali became a loveable figure after his heyday, cocky. My after his career,’’ Lang said. “I think people love to love him now.’’ But even back then, people who name, not might not necessarily agree with the rhetoric of militant Black activists such as H. Rap Brown, or yours. My “could nevertheless respect Ali’s talent,’’ Lang said. Ali, Sharpton said, “went from religion, one of the most despised figures in the world to one of the most popu- lar men in the world because peo- not yours. ple respected that he really authen- tically believed and sacrificed for what he believed in.’’ “If there was a Mount Rushmore My goals, erected for influential Black figures in America,’’ Sharpton added, “he would not be on the mountain. He my own.’ would be the mountain.’’

JUNE 2016 PAGE 3 The Life, Legacy Of ‘The Greatest’

Muhammad Ali Displayed Excellence In The Ring, Courage Outside Of It icknamed “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1917-1994). also became known for his lightning speed and fancy was one of the legends in the sport of Ali showed at an early age that he wasn’t fearful of . After winning his first three bouts, Ali . At 6 feet 3 inches, any bout—inside or outside of the ring. Growing up defeated Zbigniew Pietrzkowski from Poland to win he was an imposing figure in the ring, in the segregated Deep South, he experienced racial the gold medal. N known for his swift footwork, and power- prejudice and discrimination firsthand. Ali took out British heavyweight champion Henry ful . What distinguish him from his contemporaries At the age of 12, Cassius Clay discovered his talent Cooper in 1963, and then knocked out are the values that he in 1964 to has been upholding all become the through his life. heavyweight A true believer of reli- ‘It’s hard to be champion of the gious freedom and racial world. justice, Ali had converted He was known to Islam and changed humble when for boasting his name from the for- about his skills mer identity, Cassius before a fight and Marcellus Clay. for his colorful Throughout his you’re as descriptions and career, Ali recorded 56 phrases. In one of wins of which 37 came his more famous- in and 5 loss- ly quoted state- es. The most historic great as I am.’ ment, Ali told the matches were against media that he Liston, and could “float like a . He became the first three-time for boxing through a twist of fate. His bike was butterfly, like World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. stolen, and Ali told a police officer, Joe Martin, that a bee” in the box- Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay he wanted to beat up the thief. ‘Well, you better learn ing ring. During one boxing demonstrations, Ali Jr. on Jan. 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky to the elder how to fight before you start challenging people,” declared, “Keep the camera rolling because I’m kind son of Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. (1912-1990) and Martin reportedly told him at the time. In addition to of fast.” being a police officer, Martin also trained While doing some spiritual searching, Ali decided young boxers at a local gym. to join the black Muslim group the Nation of Islam in MUHAMMAD ALI BIO In his first amateur bout in 1954, he 1964. At first he called himself "Cassius X" before set- won by split decision. Ali went on tling on the name Muhammad Ali. The boxer eventu- Born: Jan. 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky (born to win the 1956 tourna- ally converted to orthodox Islam during the . Cassius Marcellus Clay) ment for novices in the light heavyweight Ali later started a different kind of fight with his class. outspoken views against the . Drafted Died: Friday, June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1960, Ali won a spot on the U.S. into the military in , he refused to serve on Olympic boxing team, and traveled to the grounds that he was a practicing Muslim minister Nicknames: The Greatest; the Louisville Lip; the Rome, Italy, to compete. At 6-foot-3, Ali (Continued on Next Page) People’s Champion was an imposing figure in the ring, but he Education: Central High School in Louisville Family: Survived by wife Lonnie; daughters Rasheda and Jamilah (twins), Laila, Maryum, Hana, Khaliah and Mija and sons Muhammad Jr. and Asaad Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1990 into the International Boxing Hall of Fame Boxing career: 56-5, 37 KOs; heavyweight champion 1964-67, 1974-78, 1978-79 Humanitarian efforts: Include helping secure the release of 15 U.S. hostages in during the first ; making goodwill missions to Afghanistan and ; delivering medical supplies to an embar- goed Cuba; meeting with after his release from prison in South Africa Honors: Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2005; Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center, 2012; Amnesty International’s Lifetime Achievement Award; Messenger of Peace, 1998 Nation of Islam leader Malcolm X, left, takes a photo of Muhammad Ali, right.

PAGE 4 JUNE 2016 JUNE 2016 PAGE 5

Supreme Court unanimously reverses Ali’s conviction, which The Life, And wiped out a five-year prison sen- tence and $10,000 fine. In October, he goes on tour in Nigeria, Italy, Switzerland, and Legacy Of England. July 26, 1971 to Nov. 21, 1972 — Among a pile of exhibi- tions fights, Ali would have a Muhammad Ali… total of five-sanctioned boxing matches, winning four by knock- outs. Dec. 27, 1960 — Clay knocks out Herb (Continued from Previous Page) Siler in Round 4 in , . 31, 1973 — Ali loses to in the 12th round with religious beliefs that prevented him from at the Sports Arena in San Diego. fighting. He was arrested for committing a March 1961 — Clay meets a member of Ali came back to beat Norton in felony and almost immediately stripped of his the Nation of Islam who invites him to a meet- 12 rounds at the Forum in world title and boxing license. ing. Clay starts to attend NOI’s meeting regu- Inglewood, California, on Sept. 10. The U.S. Department of Justice pursued a larly. legal case against Ali, denying his claim for Jan. 28, 1974 — Ali beats Joe status. He Frazier in 12 rounds at Madison was found guilty of violating Square Gardens. On Oct. 30, Ali Selective Service laws and sen- ‘Float like a knocks out George Foreman to tenced to five years in prison in win regain the Heavyweight Title , but remained free at 20th May Stadium in Zaire. while appealing his conviction. Unable to compete professionally butterfly, March 24, 1975 — Chuck in the meantime, Ali missed more Wepner knocks down Ali, but than three prime years of his ath- In 1967, Ali refused to step forward and be inducted into the U.S. Army. The state Athletic Commission across America suspend Ali’s loses to the heavyweight title letic career. The U.S. Supreme sting like a boxing license and withdraw recognition of his boxing title. holder after being Court eventually overturned the knocked out in the 15th conviction in . bee. Rumble, round. Wepner’s attempt at the title would be the MUHAMMAD ALI ‘I ain’t got no inspiration of the film Pro Boxing Timeline: young man, “.” Oct. 6, 1960 — During first quarrel with Oct 10, 1975 — Ali his professional fight, Cassius faces Joe Frazier for the Marcellus Clay Jr. beats Tunney rumble.’ final time at the Hunsaker in Round 6 in them Vietcong.’ Araheta Coliseum in Louisville, Kentucky. . The fight, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch in 1965. Dec. 17, 1961 to June affirms Ali’s conviction. In December Ali is sent known as the “Thriller in 18, 1963 — Clay wins an to prison for 10 days for driving without a Manila,” ended in with a knockout by Ali in impressive 14 consecutive expected a victory from Ali, he knocks out four in the month of August, Ali knocks out Folley in in New York license. the 14th round. Ali retains the Heavyweight fights, 12 by . Sonny Liston in Round 7 at the Convention in Round 12 and retains his City on March 22. It was his last title defense Title. Within that time frame, Hall in Miami Beach, Florida, and wins the title at the Convention Center in . and last sanctioned fight. He would not step April 4, 1969 — The Nation of Islam news- Clay knocked out Archie World Heavyweight Boxing Title. back in the boxing ring for nearly four years. paper, Muhammad Speaks, runs a statement Sept. 26, 1976 — Ali beats Ken Norton in Moore in Round 4 at the Feb. 18, 1966 — “I ain't got no quarrel with issued by suspending Ali 15 rounds at in . Memorial Sports Arena on , 1964 — Elijah Muhammad of the them Vietcong,” Ali said in his opposition to , 1967 — Ali refused to step for- from membership for saying he wished to box Nov. 15, 1962. Nation of Islam announces that he has given the Vietnam War. ward and be inducted into the U.S. Army. The again for money. Feb. 15, 1978 — Ali loses his Heavyweight Clay the name Muhammad Ali. state Athletic Commission across America sus- Title in 15 rounds to . Spinks had Sept. 30, 1963 — First March 17, 1966 — Ali appears before the pend Ali’s boxing license and withdraw recog- Oct. 26, 1970 — Ali steps back into the only six professional fights before stepping in public mention of Clay’s Feb. 21, 1965 — Malcom X, once a confi- draft board to claim exemption on financial nition of his boxing title. boxing ring after three-and-a-half years to the ring to pull of one of the biggest upsets in relationship with the dant of Ali, is assassinated in the Audubon grounds and on ‘conscientious-objector’ status. knock out at the Municipal sports. Ali and Spinks went at it again at the Nation of Islam reported Room in New York City. May 8, 1967 — Ali is indicted by a federal Auditorium in , Georgia. Superdome in New Orleans. Ali regained his by the Daily March 29, 1966 to Nov. 14, 1967 — Ali grand jury in , Texas, but is released title by beating Spinks in 15 rounds. News. Clay had attended a May 25, 1965 — In the rematch, Ali elimi- defended his title six times and won five of on $5,000 bail. March 8, 1971 — Joe Frazier beats Ali in ‘Black Muslim’ rally in nated Sonny Liston by knockout in Round 1 at fights by knockouts. 15 rounds for the Heavyweight title at Madison June 26, 1979 — Ali announces his retire- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania St. Dominic’s Arena in Lewiston, Maine. Ali June 19, 1967 — Ali’s trials for refusing Square Gardens. It would be the first of three ment. retains the Heavyweight crown. Feb 6, 1967 — Ali beats in 15 induction begins. boxing matches between the two fighters. Feb. 25, 1964 — In a rounds at the in Houston, Texas, to (Continued on Next Page) fight hardly anyone Nov. 22, 1965 — After six exhibition fights, retain the Heavyweight title. Ali knockout Zora May 6, 1968 — The 5th Circuit of Appeals June 28, 1971 — The United States Ali’s training sessions were very popular with fans.

PAGE 6 JUNE 2016

Ali Boxing Reform Act is passed by the ‘I told you all, all of U.S. government to reform unfair and anti-competitive practices in profession- my critics, that I al boxing.

was the greatest of Nov. 9, 2005 — Ali is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a all time. ... Never White House ceremony. During the same year the $60 million Muhammad make me the Ali Center, a nonprofit museum and cultural center focusing on peace and social responsibility, opened in underdog until I’m Louisville. Ali jokes with President about 50 years old.’ . Ring Magazine named Ali “Fighter of the Year” five times, more than any other boxer, and he was inducted into November 1990 — Ali travels to the International Boxing Hall of Fame Ali’s Legacy… Iraq to try to meet with Iraqi leader in 1990. Ali has been married four and prevent the war. times and has seven daughters and He returns to the U.S. with 15 two sons. He married his fourth wife, (Continued from Previous Page) American hostages. Yolanda, in 1986. September 1984 — Ali is officially Oct. 2, 1980 — Once his sparring diagnosed as suffering from July 1996 — Visibly shaking hold- June 3, 2016 — Muhammad Ali partner, Ali loses his Heavyweight Title Parkinson’s Syndrome at the age of 42. ing a torch, 54-year-old Ali passionately dies at the age of 74 in Scottsdale, to in the 11th round at The symptoms — possibly connected lights the flame to kickoff the Olympic Arizona. Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, . to the severe head trauma suffered Games in Atlanta, Georgia. during his boxing career — from the — Compiled by Antonio R. Harvey Dec. 11, 1981 — disease had been noticeable before the December 1999 — Ali is presented beats Ali in 10 rounds at QEII Sports final detection. The former champion’s with the ‘Sportsman of the Century’ tro- SOURCES: The Greatest by Center in Nassau, Bahamas. Ali retires motor skills would slowly declined, and phy by . Muhammad Ali with Richard Durham, for the second and final time after his movement and speech would soon www..com, and defeat. be limited. Jan. 24, 2000 — The Muhammad http://www.thefamouspeople.com/

Ali’s Visits To Sacramento

Muhammad Ali’s team would say, “Invite Muhammad Ali to fight, and your country will share the world spotlight.” Ali’s influence traveled throughout the world, and on several occasions, “The Champ” brought his celebrity to Sacramento. The OBSERVER was there to capture Ali in some local moments. In photo at left, OBSERVER publisher Dr. William H. Lee and late wife Kathryn, are shown with Ali during a special visit to Sacramento in 1981. “He was a very gracious man,” recalled Dr. Lee, recalling how Ali spent time talking to nearly everyone he met. Publisher Lee said Ali met with many local leaders during his visit, but he and Mrs. Lee had the opportunity to go to dinner with Ali at the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento. In below center photo, Ali jokingly spars with Ranch Arroyo owner Al Wilson during another visit to Sacramento in 1992. Longtime OBSERVER photographer Robert Maryland shakes “The Greatest’s” hand during another Ali visit to the Capitol City in below photo at right.

JUNE 2016 PAGE 7

Ali Gave Blacks Pride ‘What I

y the time you read this column, volumes Those sessions gave me and other of accolades, tributes and news media cov- the confidence that we suffered erage will have chronicled the life and could use our brains to match wits with passing of Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) anyone — and that fueled my confidence Bwho as you know left this earth last week. as a 19 year old youth. physically I never did get a chance to meet Ali in person, The next area that Ali played in my however he is by far the most influential professional remembrance of him was when he fought George Foreman in Zaire Africa in 1974. was worth By MARDEIO CANNON Foreman was young and strong and was athlete that I have encountered. destroying all opponents as the heavy Like any young man that followed sports in the weight champion of the world. what I’ve early ‘60s and ‘70s, Ali dominated the world of boxing. Ali was a heavy underdog in the fight. I I like most young African American men idolized Ali got tickets to watch the fight at because of his brashness and success in the ring. Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on the accomplished In 1966, I was in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Lee, closed circuit screen. At that time that was Virginia. We were still in the midst of the Civil Rights the only way to view major fights. (Am I movement in America showing how even though the Civil old I am?). in life. A man Rights bill granting As all of African Americans you know by access to public accom- now, who is not modations was passed Foreman in 1964. pummeled African Americans Ali for 8 courageous were NOT on televisions rounds and that much and when when all one of us appeared on seemed enough to TV, it was a BIG thing hopeless, Ali to us. woke up ABC’s Wide World of from his take risks will Sports was a popular Ali’s 1974 fight in Zaire, Africa was memorable. “rope-a-dope” show that was on every strategy and Saturday afternoon. I shall never forget the interaction knocked Big Bad George Foreman out. never accom- between Ali and Howard Cosell on that show. To this day that is the MOST thrilling Whenever Ali appeared on Wide World of Sports, all sports event that I ever attended. of the African American soldiers in our barracks Muhammad Ali left a legacy to the plish anything gathered around the television to watch Ali match world with his commitment to his beliefs, wits with Cosell. This was the first time that we saw a his legacy in the ring and his humanitari- Black man outdueling a White man verbally on an efforts around the world that most likely in life.’ national television. Cosell wasn’t a push over either; will never be duplicated — that’s why he he could bring it and that brought out the best in Ali. is: “The Greatest of All Time.”

Louisville Celebrates Ali

Hearts were heavy in many of the citi- zens of Louisville, KY when it was announced that their hometown hero, box- ing great Muhammad Ali had died at the age of 74 in a Phoenix, AZ hospital Friday, June 3, from complications relating to Parkinson’s disease, bringing to a close his most challenging fight. Although Ali was known and loved throughout the World, there was a special bond that he shared with his hometown. Louisville is the home of the and just recently, Ali’s childhood home was restored as a museum in his honor. The home is located in West Louisville, the heart of the African American community. Hundreds sat outside the Muhammad Ali Louisville has been restored into a Museum. Thousands Center following a march that started at Central High have visited the home to honor Louisville’s Hometown School, where Ali attended. Organizers said the March hon- hero, Muhammad Ali. (Louisville Defender Photos by Bud ored Ali and how he brought people together. The Dorsey) Childhood Home of Muhammad Ali on Grand Ave. in West PAGE 8 JUNE 9 - 15, 2016