Muhammad Ali Attends Inaugural Events

Muhammad Ali Center and Kentucky Society Partner to Honor Kentucky’s Greatest – Muhammad Ali

The Muhammad Ali Center and the Kentucky Society came together to pay tribute to Kentucky natives Muhammad and Lonnie Ali and celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday, January 19 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.  Preceding the Bluegrass Ball was a private reception to celebrate Ali’s 67^th birthday sponsored by Yum! Brands, Inc. and G.E. Consumer and Industrial.

Lonnie Ali and Greg Roberts, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, made brief announcements to the guests who were gathered to meet Muhammad.  Among several hundred friends and supporters of the Ali Center, in attendance were outgoing Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield,  CNN Host Larry King, actress and Kentucky native Ashley Judd, and Muhammad Ali’s long-time friend and photographer Howard Bingham.

The reception was hosted by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, U.S. Representative John Yarmuth, and the Muhammad Ali Center Board of Directors. 

Over 1,400 attendees of the Bluegrass Ball participated in a tribute to the Champ.  The program featured a video about the Ali Center’s mission followed by comments from Lonnie Ali regarding Muhammad’s legacy and the historic nature of the inauguration.

"He wouldn’t have missed this for the world," Lonnie Ali said. "What’s interesting is that Muhammad had time to grow into his role as being a world humanitarian," she added. “Obama on the other hand will inherit the world on his shoulders … and it is a much heavier burden than I think Muhammad had to face.  But I think his [Obama’s] shoulders are broad," she said. "He and Muhammad are really made of the same fabric."

Greg Roberts, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center said, "We are pleased to collaborate with the Kentucky Society in celebration of this historic moment in our country’s history and for such a joyous occasion for one of the world’s most beloved humanitarians and sports icons.  That this event occurred on Martin Luther King Day added even more weight and meaning to the celebration.” 

Brandon W. Kirkham, President of the Kentucky Society of Washington said, "The Washington Post headline, ‘The Greatest (Ball) of All Time’ accurately highlights that Muhammad and Lonnie's participation in the Bluegrass Ball helped us deliver an event beyond expectations.  The partnership between the Muhammad Ali Center and the Kentucky Society of Washington was a unique approach that enabled us to celebrate the greatness of Muhammad Ali and our home state while we highlighted the impact of Muhammad's legacy and educated our guests about the Ali Center.  The Kentucky Society looks forward to furthering this partnership to encourage Kentuckians and people around the World to find greatness within.” 

To mark the historic occasion in front of the largely Kentucky crowd, Governor Steve Beshear presented Muhammad with a bust of Abraham Lincoln – another significant Kentucky native – as a gift.  Next, artist Simon Bull (whose work is on exhibit at the Ali Center) and actress Ashley Judd unveiled two paintings of Ali and President Barack Obama that were created by Bull.  The paintings were commissioned by the Muhammad Ali Center and donated by Ira Shore, President and CEO of Fine Art Management Corporation, as gifts to the new president on the occasion of his inauguration.  

Simon Bull said he hopes the portraits “challenge us to consider the two men’s relationship, their roles as extraordinary leaders, and the great affection the American people hold for them both.”

"I am honored to participate in this unprecedented intersection of art, philanthropy, and politics,” said Ira Shore. “Nothing could be better than working with skilled artist Simon Bull and heroic athlete/humanitarian Muhammad Ali to celebrate the inauguration of an inspirational leader like President Barack Obama."

In closing, the renowned musical group, the Temptations, surprised Muhammad Ali with their own special version of Happy Birthday to the Champ and then led the entire room in song.  They also performed “My Girl” as a tribute to Lonnie Ali.

Muhammad and Lonnie Ali also attended the inauguration ceremonies on Tuesday as guests of President and Mrs. Obama.



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Louisville Courier-Journal

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