Change and Celebration: The Life Of Muhammad Ali

Who knew that Muhammad Ali would have such an impact when he competed in the 1960 Olympics, in Rome. When he took the ring just his presence alone demanded attention. While he is gone, his legacy continues to inspire and change the world today as we discovered on our recent trip to his hometown of Louisville. It is here, where the impact of his charisma can be felt at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Did You Know? Muhammad Ali carried the Olympic torch during the 1996 Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Muhammad Ali is like other's of his time - including Martin Luther King Jr.; their stories, and the struggles they overcame still have an impact on society today. Throughout the museum you'll find that there are many presentations and engaging exhibits that take you back in time to relive moments in Muhammad Ali's life. So, when visiting the Muhammad Ali Center be sure to take your time.
While anytime of the year is good to visit - we picked June because it is the time when Louisville celebrates the life of their hometown hero with the “I Am Ali” Festival. There are so many events and festivities to enjoy around town you may not have time to experience them all. At the heart of each one is the is the celebration of a man who became a “United Nations Messenger of Peace,” and was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Amnesty International. Yes, Muhammad Ali received many awards, and achieved a greatness beyond what anyone anticipated when a young Cassius Clay first stepped into the ring. Yet, as you'll find throughout the Muhammad Ali Center exhibits, he dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of others.
Muhammad Ali believed in six core principles, which include:
   Confidence: Belief  in oneself, one’s abilities, and one’s future.
   Conviction: The act of devoting all of one’s energy, effort, and abilities to a certain task.
   Dedication: The act of devoting all of one’s energy, effort, and abilities to a certain task.
   Giving: To present voluntarily without expecting something in return.
   Respect: Esteem for, or a sense of the worth or excellence of, oneself and others.
   Spirituality: A sense of awe, reverence, and inner peace inspired by a connection to all of creation and/or that which is greater than oneself.
These principles are celebrated and embraced throughout the community during the Festival. And, I think what we've enjoyed most during our visit to the Muhammad Ali Center,  and while in town is meeting people from everywhere. We see the smiles on their faces as we all celebrate the life of a man who never knew he would mean so much to so many people. It's been and moving, and uplifting experience, and gives us a chance to help support local programs throughout Louisville as well. And, we almost forgot, there's also a self-guided Muhammad Ali Footsteps of Greatness Tour, which highlights local landmarks that celebrate “The Greatest,” including the Muhammad Ali Center, the Muhammad Ali Childhood Home, Columbia Auditorium and Cave Hill Cemetery. Pick up the tour brochure at the Louisville Visitor Center (301 S. Fourth St.).

We hope that you will enjoy exploring the Muhammad Ali Center and local sites as much as we did on our visit!

Wherever your travels take you have a safe and memorable trip!

Order your Tickets To The Muhammad Ali CenterTo learn more about upcoming exhibits, programs, and events at the Muhammad Ali Center, and order your tickets by calling 1-502-584-9254 or visit their website at http://www.alicenter.org.

Plan your Trip To Louisville

Whenever we plan our trips we check out the local convention and visitor's bureau's for helpful maps, news on events and festivals, as well as details on local lodging and more. The Louisville CVB can provide all of this as well as suggested itineraries, a free Louisville Visitors Guide, and complimentary hotel booking service via 1-888-LOUISVILLE or on their website at www.gotolouisville.com