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Muhammad Ali Center: Want To Honor ‘The Greatest’? Donate To The MAC

By Skinner Bachs
Published on: 07:12 PST, Jun 5, 2016

The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky is more than a celebrity museum. It is the manifestation of a vision held by the man who would electrify the world with his athletic prowess, his dedication to his deeply held beliefs, and his determination to achieve greatness on his own terms as a Black man, as a Muslim, and as a champion for those who did not have his strength.

The Ali Family Requests Support For The Muhammad Ali Center

During a press conference on Friday, June 3, family spokesperson, Bob Gunnell, paid a brief tribute of his own, outlined the events to take place in Louisville to celebrate the athlete and activist’s life, and a statement from the Ali family regarding the ways those who wish to pay tribute can do so. The Muhammad Ali Center is a place to inspire people of all walks of life to embrace Ali’s core principles: Conviction, Dedication, Confidence, Respect, Giving, and Belief in Oneself. It is with this mission in mind, one that embodied those values, the family let it be known via Gunnell that Ali’s widow, Lonnie, would still be very active in the work of the Muhammad Ali Center and the family will continue to support the work of MAC.

During his press conference, Gunnell went on to address the issue.

“What they have asked… is in lieu of flowers and cards, that donations be sent to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY.”

The Muhammad Ali Center Continues Ali’s Legacy

The Muhammad Ali Center opened in November of 2005. While it is known as a popular destination for those who love boxing and admire the athletic career of Muhammad Ali, it is also a cultural center operating with the intention to bring the world to the citizens of Louisville and help inspire visitors to embrace a sensibility that is inclusive. In effect, Ali, who was considered by many to be a citizen of the world, wanted to create a way for others to develop that same world view.

The mission statement of The Muhammad Ali Center as posted on their website bears this out.

“The mission of the Muhammad Ali Center is to preserve and share the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali, to promote respect, hope, and understanding, and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.”

Along with the sports-related exhibits, there are lecture halls, multi-media presentation facilities, and an exhibition space with shows devoted primarily to addressing human rights issues and creating a sense of unity and pride. A recent example is “Shining A Light: The Right To Education,” an annual photography exhibit inspired by the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative.

More Coverage Of The Life And Legacy of Muhammad Ali At Inquisitr

Want To Get Involved? Here’s How To Get In Touch With The Muhammad Ali Center

For those wishing to pay their respects to Ali and support the work of The Muhammad Ali Center, there is a link on the official website for donations. Donations can also be sent to the following address.

The Muhammad Ali Center
144 N. Sixth Street
Louisville, KY 40202

Want to pay a visit? Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Tuesday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Center is closed on Mondays. Last admission for each day of operation is at 4:15 p.m. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors 65 years and older, $5.00 for military personnel and those with student I.D.s, $4.00 for children 6 to 12, and children five and under get in free.

For more information, visit the Muhammad Ali Center website.

“For many years I have dreamed of creating a place to share, teach and inspire people to be their best and to pursue their dreams.”

[Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images]

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