Muhammad Ali Center to Partner with the Derby MusicFest 2006 Youth-Oriented Community Event

LOUISVILLE, KY (March 21, 2006)  As part of the Muhammad Ali Center’s mission to inspire youth to reach their potential and be as great as they can be, the Ali Center will participate in the youth-oriented community event Derby MusicFest 2006.  Entertainment, sports, music, community exhibits, workshops and more will comprise the event designed to provide youth with fun and safe activities that celebrate their interests during Derby weekend.

“The Muhammad Ali Center embraces the idea of our community’s youth having this opportunity to participate in a positive event that will speak to the relevant issues in their lives,” said Michael Fox, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, “Muhammad believes that developing responsible citizens of our community, nation and the world begins by providing children with environments that promote a healthy development of body, mind and spirit.”

“Most certainly, the Derby MusicFest 2006 along with the Ali Center and other partners will present social, athletic and educational opportunities for youth in our community.  These programs are in response to Muhammad’s expectation that we, in his hometown of Louisville and around the world, should more actively help children dream, gain a life purpose, a spiritual purpose, and a step-by-step plan for reaching their full potential in life.”

The Ali Center will participate in the “Hip Hop Summit: Is Musical Activism Dead or Alive?” forum and will provide a booth in the community exhibits during the three-day event May 5 – 7.  In addition to Derby MusicFest, Ali Center officials anticipate being involved in many future projects and joint initiatives that will involve the community’s youth.

"The Muhammad Ali Center, Derby MusicFest 2006 committee and its partners saw the need and significance of working together not only during the weekend festival, but well beyond it.  We are thrilled to be part of a partnership that will let young people know that the Ali Center is more than four walls and has the community interest in mind," said Christopher 2X, co-host of Derby MusicFest 2006.

"The Derby MusicFest 2006 committee feels honored to have the support of the Muhammad Ali Center because of the legacy that Muhammad Ali has left: reaching out to the youth of our community – those of all different nationalities and from all economic backgrounds.  To listen to our youth, to be there for them and to create positive venues for them are all part of our mission. It's what we are about," said Carlton “Scooter” McCray, co-host of Derby MusicFest 2006.

The Ali Center currently offers an online website for youth on cultural diversity, operates a Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students in which youth members serve as ambassadors and do volunteer work in the community, co-sponsors an annual youth award program - the Sergeant Joe Martin Award - which is based on the center’s core values, and has plans for additional educational opportunities.

# # #