Muhammad Ali will always be my family hero

Because of Muhammad Ali’s fierce leadership, my family had the courage to do the following:

• Change our names

• Not fight in the Vietnam War

• Convert to Islam

• Travel to and live in Africa

• Give both my Muslim husband and daughter Muslim burials

• Be open to different religions

• Make my children’s mission to not use drugs or alcohol

• Marry before having children

• Be proud to be Black and African-American

• Resist the need to belong to gangs

• Always respect elders

• To always consider ourselves great

• Practice being peaceful

• Practice being both humble and fair

My family owes our existence to both God and Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali, may God bless your family.

Maryamu Givens

Moses Lake