“Here’s a little Black boy from Louisville, Kentucky, sitting in the United Nations talking to presidents of the world, why? Because I’m a good boxer,” he said at a press conference at UN Headquarters in 1979. “I needed boxing to get here. So, my purpose is to use boxing to get to people.”
Devoting most of his time outside the boxing ring to the pursuit of peace, Mr. Ali had earlier delivered a statement at the UN the year before to address the UN Special Committee against Apartheid in South Africa.
From the 1970s until his death in 2016, the United States Olympic gold medallist floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, as he often aptly described himself, both inside and outside the boxing ring.
Listen to our Podcast Classic episode below.
Soundcloud
God, boxing and fame
Over his career, Mr. Ali supported relief and development initiatives. He hand-delivered food and medical supplies to hospitals, street children and orphanages in Africa and Asia.
In a press conference at UN Headquarters in 1979, Mr. Ali spoke about God, boxing and using his fame for a good cause. The son of a sign painter, he also talked about painting for peace.
Listen to the full press conference here.
UN Photo/Ky Chung
Muhammad Ali (centre) attends a 2004 ceremony to mark the International Day of Peace at UN Headquarters. (file)
Giving back to fight African drought
Mr. Ali also visited UN Headquarters in 1975, ahead of his title fight against Chuck Wepner, announcing that the promoters would give 50 cents from the proceeds of each ticket sold to African drought relief.
At the time, promoter Don King said he expected an audience of 500,000 to a million via closed-circuit TV. The money was divided equally between the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Africare, a Black aid organization, to help dig wells in Senegal and Niger.
UN Messenger of Peace
Known worldwide as “the Greatest”, three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer Muhammad Ali was designated UN Messenger of Peace in 1998.
Bringing people together by preaching “healing” to everyone irrespective of race, religion or age, over the years Mr. Ali was a relentless advocate for people in need and a significant humanitarian actor in the developing world.
Upon his death in 2016, then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the UN was grateful “to have benefitted from the life and work of one of the past century’s great humanitarians and advocates for understanding and peace”.
On #ThrowbackThursday, UN News is showcasing pivotal moments across the UN’s past. From the infamous and nearly-forgotten to world leaders and global superstars, stay tuned for a taste of the UN Audiovisual Library’s 49,400 hours of video recordings and 18,000 hours of audio chronicling.
Visit UN Video’s Stories from the UN Archive playlist here and our accompanying series here. Join us next Thursday for another dive into history.
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
Did Muhammad Ali ever talk about his artwork in detail during any of his press conferences at the UN?
Yes, Mr. Ali did talk about his artwork during a press conference at the UN in 1979. He mentioned that, as the son of a sign painter, he believed in using his talents for peace. His dedication to painting for peace was as strong as his dedication to boxing for the betterment of society.
God, boxing, and fame play a significant role in Mr. Ali’s legacy. He dedicated his life to supporting relief and development initiatives, hand-delivering food and medical supplies to those in need. His words about using boxing to reach people and painting for peace continue to inspire. Truly a remarkable individual.
As a boxing fan, I have always respected Muhammad Ali for his dedication to promoting peace and using his fame for a good cause. His actions outside the ring truly set him apart from other athletes.
How did Muhammad Ali manage to balance his boxing career with his efforts for peace and humanitarian work?
Well, EmmaSmith82, Muhammad Ali was a true legend who dedicated himself to spreading peace and lending a helping hand to those in need. Despite his fame as a boxer, he understood the importance of using his platform for positive change. His commitment to humanitarian work alongside his boxing career showcases the depth of his character and the values he stood for. It’s truly inspiring how he managed to balance both worlds and make a lasting impact on society.
Mr. Ali was not just a talented boxer, but also a true humanitarian. His dedication to using his fame for good causes like supporting relief and development initiatives is truly admirable. His actions of delivering food and medical supplies to those in need demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. We need more individuals like him who understand the power of giving back to fight global issues like African drought.
As a lifelong fan of Muhammad Ali, I truly admire his dedication to using his platform for promoting peace and humanitarian causes. His legacy extends far beyond his achievements in the boxing ring, showing us the power of compassion and activism. Rest in power, champ.
Do you think Muhammad Ali’s impact on peace initiatives goes beyond his boxing career?
Indeed, Muhammad Ali’s impact on peace initiatives transcended his boxing career. He used his fame and influence to deliver humanitarian aid and spread messages of peace, showing that a champion can fight for a cause greater than mere victory in the ring.
As a boxing legend and humanitarian, Mr. Ali’s dedication to using his fame for a good cause is truly inspiring. His efforts to promote peace and provide aid to those in need demonstrate the power of giving back and making a positive impact on the world.
How did Mr. Ali balance his boxing career with his efforts for peace and humanitarian causes?
Mr. Ali managed to balance his boxing career with his efforts for peace and humanitarian causes by dedicating most of his time outside the ring to pursue his mission of spreading peace. He used his fame and influence to support relief and development initiatives, hand-delivering food and medical supplies to those in need in Africa and Asia. He saw boxing as a means to reach people and spread his message of peace to a wider audience. His commitment to both boxing and humanitarian causes showcased his dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Is this article highlighting Muhammad Ali’s humanitarian efforts and advocacy for peace?