The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards
Celebrating Greatness and honoring those who carry on Muhammad Ali's work towards a more just and compassionate world.
Celebrating Greatness
Launched in 2013, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards (MAHA) were developed to honor Ali’s lifelong humanitarianism and to celebrate a new generation of social changemakers.
Each year, the Ali Center pays tribute to a number of high-profile “seasoned humanitarians” who are named as Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awardees.
In addition, we honor six young adults, age 30 and under, who are serving as advocates, activists, and role models in ways that are transforming communities and bringing about positive change in the world. Each of these winners is recognized for embodying one of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.
The annual MAHA ceremony is the Ali Center’s primary fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the Center’s mission-based programs, community events, impactful partnerships, digital content, and museum exhibitions.
2026 Awardees
Learn more about the honorees of this year's Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick will receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work bridging sports and activism through Know Your Rights Camp.
Steve and Amy Trager
The Tragers will receive the Kentucky Humanitarian Award for their dedication in strengthening the Louisville community through their leadership.
Mateo Salvatto - Confidence
At the age of 17, Salvatto created Hearlo, a free communication app that has helped more than 500,000 people with speech and hearing disabilities
Sneha Revanur - Conviction
Revanur is the founder of Encode, an international organization that mobilizes youth for safer and more equitable artificial intelligence.
Joseph Nguthiru - Dedication
Nguthiru, the founder of HyaPak, converts invasive water hyacinth plants into bio-degradable packaging to replace single-use plastics.
Franziska Trautmann - Giving
Trautmann started the organization Glass Half Full in New Orleans to recycle glass into sand for coastal restoration.
Jin Dawod - Respect
Dawod is the founder of Peace Therapist, a refugee-led organization providing culturally sensitive mental health and psychosocial support.
Gab Mejia - Spirituality
Mejia is a Filipino photographer who weaves photography and moving image to confront sociopolitical and ecological crises.
Tickets Now Available
Purchase individual tickets to this year's celebration here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Special Thanks to:
Special Hotel Rates
Receive a special offer by booking with Omni Louisville and mentioning the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.
Years of Celebrating Changemakers
The Ali Center celebrates its 13th annual Humanitarian Awards on Saturday, November 7, 2026.