Muhammad Ali: A City Says Goodbye

On Friday, June 10, the city of Louisville, KY said goodbye to her most famous son, Muhammad Ali. After a procession that took The Champ on one last ride through his hometown, there was a celebration of his life at the KFC Yum Center where the Ali family and leaders from all over the world were able to pay their last respects. It was a day where the community came together as one, as Ali would have wanted, to remember him and honor his lasting legacy.

I’m always proud of my hometown, but on last Friday Louisville showed the world just how great it can be. Before he was The Greatest; before he was The Champ; even before he was Muhammad Ali, he was Cassius Clay, “The Louisville Lip.” No matter where he went and no matter what he did, Ali always remembered Louisville. It was as special to him as he was to us. As the hearse carrying Ali to his final resting place, we got to show him just how special he was to us.

"“Muhammad Ali belongs to the world, but he only has one hometown.” – Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer"

People were lined up on the streets, on either side, just to get a glimpse of the procession. And early on, it was obvious that the caravan of vehicles wouldn’t reach the Yum Center by the scheduled 2pm start time for the memorial service. People threw flowers on the hearse and rose petals on its path. Some people ran along side, shadow boxing like a boxer putting in road work. Some people took pictures, some held signs with his most famous words on them. Some people wore shirts with his picture on them. Most people chanted “Ali” as the caravan passed them by. No matter what they did, this message was clear for everyone: “Champ, your hometown loves you.”

We will never see another Muhammad Ali. And we will never see a celebration like this ever again. From a hometown boy that made good to Olympic gold medalist to Heavyweight Champion of the World to reviled war protester back to Heavyweight Champ to goodwill ambassador and human rights advocate, Ali lived a life enough for 4 men. His impact was felt the world over. Like all remarkable people, he made the impossible look easy. He went from loved to hated to loved and then became an icon. Not bad for a boy born and raised in Kentucky’s biggest city.

"“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on this earth.” – Muhammad Ali"

The question we have to ask ourselves is what we’re doing to make the world a better place. If we as Louisvillians, Kentuckians, Americans and citizens of the world are going to make Ali’s legacy even more impactful, we have to follow in his footsteps. Spread love, not hate. Reach out to those that society has forgotten about. Be the best you can be and help others reach their potential.

"“I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” – Muhammad Ali"

My hometown has said its last goodbye to Muhammad Ali, but it’s now up to all of us to make sure that his legacy lives forever.