Muhammad Ali Center Offers Online Site for Youth

“Cultural Buzz” Offers Games, Interactivity, Resources

In the boxing ring,Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee.  Today, as a humanitarian and citizen of the world, he touches all cultures with the grace of a butterfly and with his very own style of humor and human compassion.  Now, young people from around the world can learn to bridge human differences, as well, by participating in the online site—Cultural Buzz—as part of the Muhammad Ali Center’s web site.  Here, students can explore other cultures and enhance skills that promote individual well-being and healthy interpersonal relationships.

Cultural Buzz offers educational games and activities that are interactive and entertaining.  The site is suitable for elementary-aged students all the way through those at the high school level.  Educators, too, can use areas of the site as a supplement to curriculums on diversity or to promote the use of technology as a teaching tool.

Michael Fox, president and chief executive officer of the Ali Center, says “Muhammad holds a special place in his heart for young people, and this new online site is an extension of his desire to motivate youth to seek new levels of understanding about themselves and each other. They will also learn more about Muhammad. We hope today’s youth are enlightened by Cultural Buzz and we hope for their active and enthusiastic participation.”

A menu of Cultural Buzz activities include:

• Games-N-Stuff:  Exciting and energizing educational games that teach players about other cultures and that incorporate the themes of the Ali Center into their everyday lives.
• Champ Facts:  Shares the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali by providing lesser known information on his life both in and outside of the boxing ring;
• Rap Room:  Designed to give young people ownership and a voice through the expression of their personal views by way of three distinct message boards—“the Buzz Board,” “Bee-n-the-Know,” and “Bee-n-formed.”
• Chats with the Champ: Provides an opportunity to write a letter or short message to Muhammad Ali and to post personal experiences they would like to share with others.
• Celebrities with a Punch:  A place to read inspirational stories from celebrities about their growing up and positively contributing to the world in their own ways.
• Scrapbook:  Here, students can share photographs that promote cultural understanding with others around the globe.
• Light Your Way: Suggested resources for teachers and students that center around the mission and core values of the Muhammad Ali Center.