Exactly six years after his death, Muhammad Ali’s voice resonates louder than ever through the very creeds and convictions by which he lived. Muhammad Ali’s foresight from a young age, to live with intention, purpose and mindfulness, is at the root of today’s socialscape and cry for change. He championed kindness above all else, before it became our cultural incantation. And through his 6 Core Principles, Muhammad Ali lived and learned through the very same lens that defines the social climate of today.
Muhammad Ali’s 6 Core Principles
Confidence. Conviction. Dedication. Giving. Spirituality. Respect.
Those 6 Core Principles, that led this hero-athlete to personal and global greatness, are preserved at the Muhammad Ali Center, in his hometown of Louisville, USA and will soon be put into practice at the new Muhammad Ali Experience Los Angeles set to open early 2023. It is where visitors will step into Muhammad Ali’s legacy and walk in the shoes that blazed the trails of transformation. Visitors will physically immerse themselves in Muhammad Ali’s personal journey, from “Louisville to Legend,” from world-class athlete, to activist, to humanitarian. The Muhammad Ali Experience will be a journey into the mindset of a humble hero that transcends the boxing ring, enabling fans to live the intimate experience of actually “becoming” Muhammad Ali. Patrons of the Muhammad Ali Experience will have the opportunity to step into the ring, virtually face off with the champion, and experience firsthand the skill and speed that defined him.
It was 2005 when Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie co-founded the multi-cultural center that bears his name. The new Muhammad Ali Experience, to open soon, will allow for fans to delve even deeper into the multi-faceted world of this boxing great. Said Lonnie Ali, “We are pleased to partner with Andrew Te Whaiti and his dedicated team at Genio Global Entertainment to bring this exciting project to fruition. Muhammad’s life was extraordinary, and we are thrilled to share this experience with fans from all over the world.”
Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles are the bedrock of all initiatives carried out by the Muhammad Ali Center, as well as of the highly anticipated Muhammad Ali Experience. The echo of the champion’s very own words laid the foundation for what would become his legacy.
“If my mind can conceive it, if my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” The CONFIDENCE to eliminate self-doubt and limitations drove Muhammad Ali to personal and professional greatness. Confidence drove this three-time world heavyweight champion to become arguably the greatest athlete of the 20th century. His example of perseverance, drive and strength of mind has been coined the “Ali effect” and has had a profound influence worldwide.
“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.” His quotes of CONVICTION and DEDICATION were the credo by which he lived. His desire to be the best at his craft and his cause elevated his voice. As he lit the Olympic Torch at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, his hand trembling from his greatest adversary, Parkinson’s Disease, his message silently inspired millions around the world to shine their own light. During his 32 years with Parkinson’s Disease, his illness did not define him. Instead, it fueled his desire to do more.
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” This dichotomy of forbearance and ferocity worked in tandem and propelled Muhammad Ali to be the GIVING humanitarian and global philanthropist he was. This combination of empathy and hunger grew his influence as a promoter of social justice during the Civil Rights movement and the progress thereafter. His pursuit of equality took him around the globe, on goodwill missions for the United Nations to Afghanistan and North Korea. Trips to Iraq to help negotiate the release of American hostages and to Cuba to deliver medical aid just scratch the surface of his years of humanitarian efforts worldwide. He gave from his heart globally, promoting a message of respect, hope and understanding, and expected nothing in return.
“SPIRITUALITYis the Divine that is within us all. It doesn’t belong to any particular religion, It belongs to everyone.” Muhammad Ali was born with the name Cassius Clay. At age 22 he changed to his chosen name, bestowed upon him by his spiritual mentor Elijah Muhammad. The name Muhammad Ali became the center of his spiritual core as it denotes “freedom.” The affirmations he presented throughout his life and career were foreshadowings of modern day mantras that promote peace and kindness.
“Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong.” RESPECT underlies the kindness culture that Muhammad Ali promoted in his daily life. All lives mattered to this global icon. He treated everyone with honor and asked others to do the same. His movement championed freedom and he was recognized as an activist worldwide. The National Constitution Center of the United States recognized Muhammad Ali’s fight, outside the ring, as a humanitarian, civil rights icon and religious freedom activist, by presenting him with the Liberty Medal of honor in 2012. It was one of many recognitions he received in the global arena.
Muhammad Ali’s dedication to his 6 Core Principles and a life lived with purpose remains an example to his millions of fans and followers. The Muhammad Ali Experience aims to honor his legacy and keep his example alive.
