And Louisville radio host John Ramsey, a close friend of Ali and his family for years, also delivered a eulogy for the boxer and humanitarian.
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“In this critical time when so many people are asking questions about who are the American Muslims, for his death to be an opportunity to reflect on his life and what American Muslims have done and continue to do is important”, said Hussein.
Dr. Kevin Cosby, senior pastor at St. Stephen Church, speaks during Muhammad Ali’s memorial service in Louisville, Ky., June 10, 2016. But Crystal came back to earth when he recalled his 42-year friendship with Ali, who called him “little brother”.
Ali’s influence outside the sport, continued Mr Foh-Amoaning, was also felt, dropping his name Cassius Clay, which he had described as a “slave name”, converting to Islam, and leading the civil rights campaign for African Americans using his influence and capacity in the ’60s, a feat that placed him on the same pedestal as activist Martin Luther King.
Almost 15,000 are expected to attend and the service will include eulogies by comedian Billy Crystal, sportscaster Bryant Gumbel and family members.
Reporter: That’s right. Inside the Ali museum, there’s a quote that says, I didn’t have time to hate.
Comedian Billy Crystal said Ali “was amusing”. Crystal went on to discuss the athletic prowess of Ali. “He was the most ideal athlete you ever saw and those were his own words”.
“Everybody feels a sense of loss with Ali’s passing”, said Mustafa Abdush-Shakur, who traveled from CT to pay tribute to him.
“We all sat around, you know – Tyson, Lewis, and a lot of Ali’s family and me – for about an hour”, he shared.
The president added: “Muhammad Ali was America”. Center was packed with celebrities, athletes and politicians, including former President Bill Clinton, Sen.
“He decided at a very young age to write his own life story. He decided he would not ever be disempowered”. It was that officer’s advice that Muhammad should learn to fight and his subsequent mentorship of the young Muhammad that got Ali started on the path to his boxing career.
People gathered early in the day outside Ali’s boyhood home, which was decorated with balloons, flags, flowers and posters.
Clinton then thanked Ali’s wife of nearly 30 years, Lonnie, for “making the second half of his life greater than the first”. His wife, Lonnie, giving a powerful tribute.
And how true that statement was.
Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, soon after retiring, Ali’s political influence endured.
Years ago, the champ signed off on how he wished to say goodbye to the world. In 1998, Muhammad was chosen as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, Ali received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.
His widow Lonnie Ali gave a glowing tribute on the inspiration of his legacy. Image via Aaron Bernstein/Getty Images. Later that night he went to Ali’s darkened room, and told his idol that he loved him.
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The burial itself is the only private ceremony held for Muhammad Ali.
