(born 1942) Charismatic first three-time heavyweight boxing champion who transcended sport as an icon of the Black Power and anti-Vietnam War movements. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali was a light heavyweight gold medallist at the 1960 Olympic Games. A professional sensation for his speed with words as well as fists, his claims to be “the prettiest” and “the Greatest” were precursors to “Black is Beautiful.” He won the championship in 1964, but was reviled for joining the Nation of Islam, friendship with Malcolm X and for changing his name. In 1967, boxing organizations stripped his title for refusing induction into the army because of religious beliefs. Unable to box again until 1970, Ali spoke out publicly against the war and on racial issues. His conviction for draft evasion was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1971, public opinion having swung against the war. Ali then became very popular, even among non-boxing fans, and cemented his fame in three epic matches with Joe Frazier: the first, in 1970, pitted two undefeated champions. Ali lost, won a rematch, regained the title by upsetting George Foreman in Zaire in 1974, and beat Frazier again in “The Thrilla’ in Manila” in 1975.

Though afflicted with Parkinson’s Syndrome, Ali lit the Olympic torch in 1996, and acts as a goodwill ambassador for orthodox Islam.