Muhammad Ali
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader and co-chair of the Council's Task Force to Combat Gun Violence issued the following statement after the death of Muhammad Ali last night at the age of 74.
"Yesterday we lost a global legend. I am joined by millions of fans around the world in mourning the loss of Muhammad Ali. We all knew him as "The Greatest," and as a man who was not shy about voicing his opinions, no matter how controversial or out of sync "with the norm" it may have been. He was bold in everything he did, and did not compromise his beliefs for anyone, even if it meant paying a high price for it. These are traits that should be admired and duplicated by us all. He symbolized much more than a championship fighter; he embodied the spirit and perseverance of a true warrior, like so many that came out of the Civil Rights era. There will never be another force like him.
"His impact in and out of the boxing ring forever changed lives. He inspired people to believe they could make a difference, and he changed how the world viewed athletes and black men.
"My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Assalamualaikum - may peace be on your soul my brother."
