You probably do not remember me; however, I met you and your adoring wife in the Detroit airport on December 2, 2004. I asked if I could take your picture and your wife said yes. As I took your picture you reached out for my daughter, Rayna. I sat her in your lap and you gave her a kiss on her cheek. So I took another picture with you and Rayna together.
I wanted you to know how much this meant to me. We were “nobody’s” and you and your wife were so nice to us and treated us with respect. This meant a lot to me. Rayna is only 16 months old but when she grows up and sees the pictures in her scrapbook, I will make sure I tell her what a wonderful experience this was for us. I will also tell her what a legend you are and how you stood up for your religion. - Debi
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Growing up with Ali was an amazing experience! He was different, he was boxing! He would do things in a fight that only featherweights could do – move with the speed of a cobra and excite the whole world not just the fans in Madison Square Garden. I saw him as my sporting hero and at the age of 50 this year, I still do.
I have read a lot of material about my hero and in fact have just finished reading “The Soul of a Butterfly.” I now see Ali as a lot more than just a sporting icon – I see him as a person who had the courage of his convictions to stand up for his principles and beliefs – whatever the cost may have been. He is a hero, a hero of my lifetime – someone to look up to and admire.
I teach Autistic children in Wales. Last year one of my pupils asked me if I had heard of Ali. I told him I had! We then did some great work on his life, beliefs and what he stood for. So there’s another generation he has reached. Keep influencing the world – you are still the CHAMP … OF LIFE! - Chris
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Dear Mr. Ali, the way you have had an impact on my life is incredible, from the problems you faced and how you stood strong through all of them, to the way you respect every human alive. In the south, I still face a good amount of racism, reading your autobiographies (I wrote a three page essay on your life) has motivated me to stay strong through all the name calling and teasing.
Although I have never met you (I plan to meet you someday though) because of the way you have inspired me, I consider you my friend. So, thank you Mr. Ali for all your motivation that has taught me to stay strong. Yours truly, your biggest fan. - D.Z.
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Many moons ago, my boss renewed my interest in boxing because he was always betting on sports with other executives. We would chat about matches in the office. I was and still am impressed with what Mr. Ali did for boxing and self-esteem. What examples he set. I would cheer and shout. What he did was showing self-determination and self-belief in ways our people, today, can take a lesson from. He was truly brave facing the resistances put before him by society, government, military, etc. I loved it and still do. I remember him and his work in prayers. Thanks Mr. Ali, a lot. You inspire. - Linda
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Ali, I’d just like to say that you are an inspiration to me. I’m 14 years old and have read about you, watched documentaries about you, and researched you for over 6 years. Your ways of handling situations you have been in are amazing. Also, you are handling a bad disease very well just like my cousin. He is a little over 3 and he has a rare disease known as Swatchman Diamond Disorder. Reading your life story gave me strength to deal with it. Thanks. Best Wishes - Trevor