The more than three-hour memorial capped almost a full day of mourning in Louisville for Ali, the three-time heavyweight champion of the world who died last week at 74 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Kenneth McGlothlan chanted “Ali!” as the procession started.
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The service, which saw thousands of ordinary people rub shoulders with the likes of David Beckham and Arnold Schwarzenegger, came after tens of thousands of fans lined the streets of Ali’s hometown for a procession which saw his body carried past important landmarks in his life.
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, was a devout Muslim, and known for his political and religious stance, including – at times – when it was detrimental to his career.
That was followed by an afternoon memorial service at the KFC Yum!
The former president said his enduring memory of Ali was in three parts.
Legions of people who turned out to say one last goodbye to Muhammad Ali, adorned the hearse with flowers.
That sounds quite a bit like a line from Hillary Clinton’s victory speech on Tuesday, in which she said, “We believe that cooperation is better than conflict, unity is better than division, empowerment is better than resentment, and bridges are better than walls”. “I think the one that stands out the most is Dr. King and him and I were in the room in NY on April 4, 1967, working for Dr. King on his speech”.
Actor Will Smith, who played the title role in the 2001 film “Ali“, and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis were among eight pallbearers, according to organizers. I knew it would happen. Reporter: In his prime, Muhammad Ali was defiantly black. She held a sign that read “Our Champ, Our Hero”. They ain’t ever seen nothing like you before.
Others fell silent and looked on reverently as the champ went by.
“People ask me, ‘Who are some of your idols?’ He’s one of the five people that I always mention, because of his generosity and because of his great skills”.
Turning serious, Crystal told anecdotes about the man he called “my big brother”, referring to the long friendship between the two men despite differences in their backgrounds and professions.
Ali died at the age of 74 a week ago.
“Ali” is the single word inscribed on his headstone, in keeping with Islamic tradition, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said. Before his death, Ali insisted that his services be open to fans of all faiths.
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As a result, thousands of free tickets to the memorial were made available and were snatched up within an hour.
