“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?
No, I am not going ten thousand miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world over. This is the day when such evils must come to an end. I have been warned that to take such a stand would put my prestige in jeopardy and could cause me to lose millions of dollars which should accrue to me as the champion.
But I have said it once and I will say it again. The real enemy of my people is right here. I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality…
If I thought the war was going to bring freedom and equality to 22 million of my people they wouldn’t have to draft me, I’d join tomorrow. But I either have to obey the laws of the land or the laws of Allah. I have nothing to lose by standing up for my beliefs. So I’ll go to jail. We’ve been in jail for four hundred years.” Muhammad Ali.
Bronx, New York-Islamic Leadership School staff and students will be honoring the late Muhammad Ali at the school in the presence of his ex-wife, Hon. Khalilah C. Ali today at 11:00 AM. Mr. Ali is being honored for his valuable contributions to humanity here at home and abroad.
His bold leadership, moral principle, commitment to equal justice and willingness to sacrifice on behalf of the oppressed people here at home and abroad, put his him in the ranks of global change-makers.
Against the back drop of aforementioned quote, you are cordially invited to join the students of Islamic Leadership School in honoring the greatest champion on and off the court, in life and after death, Muhammad Ali.
Venue: Al Iman Community Center, 2006 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, New York 10462.
Date: This Morning
Time: 11:00-1:00 PM.
Contact: 718-892-5555 or 718-822-5555
