Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., as Muhammad Ali was once known, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 17, 1942. During Ali’s youth, Louisville was a city of segregated public facilities, the Kentucky Derby, and other symbols of the Southern white aristocracy. African Americans were the servants and poor working class. The grandest dreams available to them were being a preacher or a teacher in an all-black church or school.
Today was an emotional day for me as we laid to rest one of the great human beings of the twentieth century. Mrs. Nancy Reagan invited me into her inner circle as a main speaker who created and conducted high school and junior high school assembly programs throughout the U.S. Every “First Lady” develops a priority platform, and because we had a huge drug challenge, coupled with an out of control teenage suicide epidemic, Mrs. Reagan titled her program: “Just Say No.”
Everyone should believe in Santa Claus. My children were raised on the wonderful Christmas story of the Polar Express, where no matter what happens in your life, if you continue to believe in Santa you will always hear the sleigh bell.
(My Olympic Experience) I am always inspired by the Olympic Games and emotionally moved by the opening ceremonies. The spirit of the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City especially touched my heart.