race as the perpetrator of genocide against African Americans. It was through his affiliation with the Nation of Islam that Ali both made and lost his friendship with mentor Malcolm X, and following the publicisation of his membership, he was not afraid to use his influence to speak the group’s doctrine. Many in the white community and some within the African American community initially refused to use his new name and condemned him for his affiliation, citing it as black separatist hate propaganda with a propensity towards violence. But for others, he was becoming a spokesperson for oppressed populations, fighting for the rights and prosperity of the Muslim and African American communities, holding to his beliefs despite criticism, unafraid to face his challengers outside of the ring.
And Ali certainly garnered his fair share of challengers, especially following his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War. He cited himself as a conscientious objector, not a draft dodger, saying he would “take part in no wars unless declared by Allah.” His anti-war stance was very much in accordance with his religious beliefs and social activist views.
His position had him arrested and stripped of his titles including his boxing license suspended during a prime athletic period of the champion’s life. Though he lost millions, he showed how an athlete can be extraordinary outside of his sport, putting belief above prestige. It was during this time that Ali truly became a voice of the people as he toured colleges as a popular speaker. He was representative of grassroots movements against the war, a true leader of grassroots diplomacy. With his faith as his reasoning, he united people of all backgrounds and opinions for their ultimate anti-war goal. As New York Times columnist William Rhodes details:
“Ali’s actions changed my standard of what constituted an athlete’s greatness. Possessing a killer jumpshot or the ability to stop on a dime was no longer enough. What were you doing for the liberation of your people? What were you doing to help your country live up to the covenant of its founding principles?”
Muhammed Ali returned to his boxing greatness, and remained motivated by his faith:
"It's a lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself."
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