Representative of the Jewish faith at Muhammad Ali’s memorial service, Rabbi Michael Lerner received a standing ovation as he delved on the mistreatment of Muslims in America, during the ceremony.
Advertisement
The public memorial at the KFC Yum!
Former President Bill Clinton delivers a eulogy during Muhammad Ali’s memorial service in Louisville, Ky., June 10, 2016. Rev. Jesse Jackson had his own thoughts about the greatest, whom he spent many hours and days with.
“I think he decided, before he could have possibly worked it all out and before fate and time could work their will on him, he decided that he would not be ever disempowered”.
Oost said she was struck by Ali’s speaking out for equality and his stance against the Vietnam War, plus his defence of Islam. “And every day you have to focus and concentrate on making sure you’re living your life in a way that it illuminates the things you want illuminated, and the things that were illuminated today were his love, and his heart, and his unconditional appreciation for all people of every race and color”.
On Friday, Takeisha Benedict and four co-workers were color-coordinated in orange “I Am Ali” T-shirts as they waited along Muhammad Ali Boulevard to pay their respects as the hearse went by. What a man, what a spirit.
The service last Friday capped two days of tributes to the three-time heavyweight world champion. “I smile to recognize that he’s not really gone”. And below the images, is a sweet message over heavenly skies, which reads, “I know wherever you are you are surrounded by LOVE & LIGHT!”
“And then this. The children whose lives he touched”.
Ali himself decided years ago that when he died, the funeral would be open to ordinary fans, not just VIPs.
This includes exclusive interviews, the fighter’s most famous battles and some revealing comments from a man who knew him so well. “Very, very disturbing”, Tolliver said.
As the long line of black limousines rolled past, fans chanted like spectators at one of his fights, pumped their fists, stood on cars, held up cellphones and signs, ran alongside the hearse and reached out to touch it.
Other guests at the service included many members of Ali’s family, Hollywood director Spike Lee, football legend Jim Brown, basketball’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg. His Chicago Heights barber shop is dotted with their pictures. Centre Friday to honour Ali, and more than 100,000 lined the streets of Louisville during a 19-mile procession through Ali’s hometown. “I grew up having my identity shaped by what he accomplished”, he said.
Advertisement
“Here I was a white kid from Long Island imitating The Greatest of All Time- and he was loving it”, he said, adding that Ali gave him a hug after his performance and whispered in his ear, “You’re my little brother”.
