Muhammad Ali

1. Introduction

Good morning everyone.

Today I want to talk about Muhammad Ali, one of the most famous people in American history.

He was not only a great boxer, but also a symbol of courage and equality.

I chose him because his story shows that one person can use their fame to fight for justice and inspire millions.

2. Early Life

Muhammad Ali was born in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky.

His real name was Cassius Marcellus Clay Junior.

He grew up during segregation, when Black and white people were separated in schools, buses, and restaurants.

When he was 12 years old, his bike was stolen, and he told a police officer that he wanted to “beat up” the thief.

The officer told him to learn boxing — and that’s how his career started.

Boxing Career and Olympic Story

Ali trained hard and became very talented.

In 1960, he went to the Olympic Games in Rome and won a gold medal for the United States.

But when he came back home to Kentucky, he went to a restaurant and was not allowed to eat there because he was Black.

The owner said, “We don’t serve colored people here.”

Ali was angry and disappointed.

He said, “I won this medal for my country, but I still can’t eat in my own town.”

Later, he threw his Olympic medal into the river to protest against racism in America.

Becoming World Champion

Refusing the Vietnam War

In 1967, during the Vietnam War, Ali was asked to join the army, but he refused.

He said it was wrong to fight in a war he didn’t believe in, and unfair that Black Americans were sent to fight for freedom abroad when they didn’t have full freedom at home.

Because of this, he lost his boxing titles and was banned from boxing for about three years.

Later, the Supreme Court said he was right.

That made him a hero for civil rights and peace.

Later Life and Legacy

Ali came back to boxing and became world champion again.

He also worked for charity and peace and inspired people all over the world.

He fought Parkinson’s disease for many years but stayed strong and positive.

He died in 2016, but people still remember him as The Greatest.

Why He Is Special

Muhammad Ali is special because he was brave, confident, and stood up for what was right.

He showed that being a champion is not only about winning fights, but also about having courage and character.

He fought racism, injustice, and never gave up — inside and outside the boxing ring.

Conclusion

To sum up, Muhammad Ali changed American history.

He fought for equality, peace, and justice — and that makes him one of the most inspiring people in the world.

That’s why he will always be remembered as “The Greatest.”

Possible Teacher Questions

1. Why did Muhammad Ali throw his Olympic medal into the river?

2. Why did he refuse to fight in the Vietnam War?

3. What makes him more than just a boxer?

4. What can we learn from him?

1. Because he was treated unfairly and not allowed to eat in a restaurant because of his skin color.

2. Because of his beliefs and because he thought it was unfair to fight for freedom abroad when Black people didn’t have freedom at home.

3. He used his fame to speak for justice and human rights.

4. To stay true to our values and be brave, even when it’s difficult.