The King and I: On the Death of Muhammad Ali

Don’t count the days, make the days count. -Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali has died. I can’t believe that I just typed these words. You were a role model, an icon, a father figure. Muhammad was not a mortal in my eyes. He was invincible. A superhero, not only for his accomplishments in the ring, but for his accomplishments in the battle for civil rights. Muhammad Ali was a man strong in his convictions. Unflinchable. Immovable. A man who personified Black pride. A man who personified fatherhood. Strength. Integrity. Dignity.

Summer 16. You are a cruel cruel summer indeed. You have taken away so many of our greats. But, I find solace in coming to the realization that many of the people we have lost this year were too great for this world. Muhammad Ali was no exception. Many will remember you as the greatest boxer of all time. But me? It’s bigger than that. You were one of the greatest human beings to walk the face of this earth. Your influence on me is immeasurable but that is how I will remember you. That is how I will honor you. You are a king. Thank you for showing Black men how to walk with our backs straight, shoulders back, chest out and head held high. A confident stance necessary to fight our biggest opponent to date, surviving in this cruel world.

You truly were the King of the World. Thank you for teaching me to believe in something greater than myself.