Muhammed Ali: The Greatest

He's known as "The Greatest," and in the history of the sport of boxing, he was, and is. But Muhammad Ali was much more than just a great athlete. He was a symbol for a generation of young black Americans who demanded their civil and social rights, and were not afraid to fight and sacrifice for them. He also became a religious leader, forcing America to acknowledge the depth of his convictions by serving prison time for his refusal to be drafted during the Vietnam War. Ali's charismatic personality, boisterous hubris and stunning athletic skills combined to make Ali an American hero and legend.

Muhammad Ali: The Greatest would be useful for classes on American History, African American History, Cultural History, Sports History and Religious History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• braggadocio
• charlatan
• compliant
• effervescent
• elusive
• entourage
• formidable
• hubris
• indignation
• inimitable
• juxtapose
• mentor
• novice
• orator
• pervasive
• pugilism
• syndicate
• transcend
• usurp
• vocation

1. Muhammad Ali is like a chameleon, always changing. How has Ali constantly redefined himself?

2. How is Ali uniquely American?

3. Ali's birth name was Cassius Clay. Why did Ali change his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali?

4. The press and public did not take his new name seriously, and still referred to him as Cassius Clay. Why were the press and public so reluctant to embrace Ali's new name and life?

5. When Ali returned from Rome where he won the gold medal for boxing in the 1960 Olympics, he was refused service at a restaurant. Why was this Olympic champion refused service? Why was it all right for Ali to represent his country to the world in the Olympic games, but not eat where he pleased in his home country?

6. How was Ali a spokesman for the young black community?

7. Malcolm X, one of this century's most influential leaders, was an intimate of Ali. What was Malcolm's influence in Ali's religion and life?

8. In 1967, Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the Army. Was Ali's refusal an act of courage, or a criminal act?

9. How has Muhammad Ali paid a high price for his fame and his career?

10. How has Parkinson's disease changed Ali's Life?

1. Create a poster advertisement for the 1975 "Thriller in Manila" bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

2. Create a timeline that chronicles the career of Muhammad Ali and the advances in the civil rights of African Americans.

Air Dates

• September 24, 2004