WS Chronicle

We celebrate a fearless champion: Muhammad Ali

To the Editor:

Our hearts are filled with sadness as we learn of the passing of Muhammad Ali. He is an exemplar of personal strength and athletic grace. His lifelong career made it possible for people of different races to sit together and enjoy the meaning of a sportsmanship that demonstrated relentless competitiveness, sometimes with an accompaniment of poetic assertiveness and provocative humor.

His emphatic rejection of the casual racial discrimination, which others seemed to take for granted as an inevitable characteristic of American society, took him high into the ranks of the nation’s chief advocates of equal status for all persons. Likewise, his brave integrity outside the sports arena on behalf of religious freedom and opposition to senseless war should admit him into the orbit of civil rights heroes.

The Civil Rights community mourns his loss with the rest of the world, and we will remember him warmly and honor his legacy as a fearless champion who led the way in breaking down walls that have divided us, without giving up on who he really wanted to be. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

John L. Swaine, CEO International Civil Rights Center & Museum Greensboro

Muhammad Ali: champion of human and civil rights

To the Editor: 

Muhammad Ali was not only a champion in the boxing ring, but he was a champion of human and civil rights. During a difficult time in American history he stood on principle to end racism and bigotry. In doing so, Ali showed the world how a true champion can stand with courage, self-respect, and dignity.

Muhammad Ali made a considerable impact on the world and his spirit and

his work will live on for generations to come.

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, we send our deepest condolences to his family,band we mourn the loss of a true American hero.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) Washington, D.C.

For more coverage of Ali’s passing, click here