Washington, DC | www.adc.org | June 4, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) mourns the loss of Muhammad Ali – one of the greatest and most respected sports figures, and Americans, of all time. Ali passed away in Phoenix, Arizona. ADC extends condolences to the family, friends and fans of Ali.
Ali served as an ADC Advisory Board Member since the inception of the organization in 1980. He was a regular supporter of ADC, and was honored with the ADC Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1992 ADC National Convention.
ADC President Samer Khalaf expressed, “Few individuals in our lifetime have accomplished what Muhammad Ali has. He was a champion inside and outside the ring. His willingness to take principled stances and champion equality, is an example for all of us. He will always remain in our minds and hearts as the greatest of all time.”
Though usually known for his boxing, Ali was heavily involved in social activism and philanthropy throughout his adult life. He championed the values of religious freedom and racial justice, speaking out and donating millions of dollars to many individuals and organizations. In 1998 the United Nations appointed him the UN Messenger of Peace. He travelled across continents to hand-deliver food and supplies to communities.
Ali started training at the age of 12 and won the Olympic gold medal for light-heavyweight boxing in 1960. In 1964 he won the World Heavyweight Championship at the age of 22 as an underdog. He received the title again in 1974 and in 1978 – making him the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion. He is widely considered among the greatest heavyweights in the history of boxing.
Ali will be buried Wednesday in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
In the photo: Members of the ADC community with Muhammad Ali, including previous president of ADC, Albert Mokhiber, Arab-American boxer Tarick Salamaci, Muhammad Ali celebrating his 50th birthday with ADC members, and Muhammad Ali at a refugee camp.