Stories of Ali: Ali and the Nation, the first of a series of programs, will have two differing approaches and understandings of the Nation of Islam: to explore Ali’s early religious conversion and his choice to devote much of his life to his faith.

Dr. Brandon McCormack, as a professor of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville, offers an educational and historical perspective.

Donald Lassere, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, grew up on the South Side of Chicago and has memories of the Nation of Islam selling bean pies and serving as protectors. Through his role at the Center, Donald will bring a unique perspective of the Louisville Lip. His stories will be of a personal nature, based on memories, and professional knowledge.

This event is FREE and open to the public. 

What is Stories of Ali? 

Stories of Ali, a new program hosted by the Muhammad Ali Center, was created by the Center’s Collection Department to bring the Muhammad Ali Oral History Project to life, allowing the community an opportunity to experience the project firsthand.   While the world knew Muhammad as a three-time heavyweight champion boxer, cultural icon, and global humanitarian, Stories of Ali aims to introduce to the public the more subtle sides of Muhammad: as a man with layers and complications and relationships. Each event will focus on a specific topic of Muhammad’s life, inviting two or three persons knowledgeable about the theme to participate in a public oral history forum, facilitated by the Collection Department.