Born Cassius Clay in 1942, Muhammad Ali, with his lightning hands and fancy footwork, became the three-time heavyweight boxing champion.  His shouts of “I Am the Greatest” and self-promotion appealed to some Americans and disgusted others.  Refusing to serve in the U.S. Army during the height of the Vietnam War, he was stripped of his heavyweight title in 1967, suspended from boxing, and became one of the most reviled men in America. Infidelity marked his several marriages and his parenting skills were less than exemplary. However, he made a career comeback in the 1970s and regained his title with a knockout of George Foreman. In retirement, he gave his time and money to worthwhile causes in Southwestern Michigan. Suffering from Parkinson’s disease, a visibly ill Ali lit the cauldron at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

History professor Tim Moore will present a look at an amazing and controversial man, Muhammad Ali.

No RSVP is required for this free program.