My Letter To The GOAT Of More Than Just Boxing
Dear Muhammad:
They call you The Greatest. They call you the People’s Champ.
In my eyes, it was bigger than sport. Your presence on this Earth provided a template for a man like me. A template that truly values human life, values hard work and values self-worth, something we as human beings can often neglect as a key ingredient to greatness.
When I learned of your passing, I was lost for words in a way that I didn’t understand. Through all of the mediums we are blessed to communicate our thoughts, how could I have no concise way to immediately convey my sorrow and admiration for you? So I decided to just write to you and simply express my gratitude.
We celebrate your brash commentary, your audacious confidence and the beautiful smile you showcased, even through the rigorous plight you were dealt.
As a Black, Muslim man in America, your plight is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever studied. To think, you fought for your beliefs at a time where black lives weren’t considered, even more so than today. To think you converted to Islam in a time where religious curiosity was even more condemned. Your light will forever shine on as an example of what belief can do.
Belief that can stand through the test of time. Belief that can uplift the world.
Speaking of that belief, one of the most polarizing moments of your life, in my opinion, was when you committed to not fighting the Vietnam War for the United States military. Basing this decision on said beliefs, your explanation in March 1967 stuck with me ever since I began studying you.
“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights? — The real enemy of my people is right here. I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality.”
Goosebumps come over me when I read those words.
To see a man in such a position speak up against the killing of his fellow man in defense for a country that never did right by him, I was inspired. Along with a countless number of quotes and statements you made, I was inspired to really understand what I believe in and to fully embody every aspect of it, unapologetically. The idea of loving yourself, loving your fellow man of any color or religion and lastly, speaking your belief in to existence has stuck with me and will serve as pillars to my life.
For that example and many other reasons, I thank you with all of my heart.
I thank you for putting your face in the fire. For taking the bullets of persecution fired by the government, the media and those who struggle to think for themselves. I thank you for simply being yourself. Tears flood my eyes when I think of how that alone inspires every single day of my life.
There aren’t many people who celebrate true love for self, all I can do is thank you for showing me that self-love can be the root of spreading love to others. Without your presence on this planet, society wouldn’t have progressed to understand what it means to value life. To maximize, cherish and share it with people of your characteristics and beyond.
So as you leave us, just know you will forever be in the heart of anyone with a rational mind. Your words, your smile, your charisma and even the way you dressed (my man was flyyyyy) will inspire generations hundreds of years from now.
Though I never met you, you touched my soul in a way that all I can say to you is thank you.
