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Muhammad Ali

Cassius Clay Changes His Name to Muhammad Ali

Elijah Muhammad offers Cassius a new name to secure his allegiance to the Nation of Islam.

Aired 09/20/2021

FromKen Burns

Muhammad Ali

Cassius Clay Changes His Name to Muhammad Ali

Clip: Episode 2 | 3m 50sVideo has Closed Captions

Elijah Muhammad offers Cassius a new name to secure his allegiance to the Nation of Islam.

After the heavyweight champion grows close with Malcolm X, he announces to reporters that he's renounced the name Clay, citing it as a slave name, and has instead taken on the name Cassius X. Concerned that Cassius would stray from the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad offers him a new name to secure his allegiance: Muhammad Ali.

Aired 09/20/2021

FromKen Burns

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Corporate funding for MUHAMMAD ALI was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations,...

'I'm Free to be Who I Want to Be'

Video has Closed Captions

As Clay gained success, he was criticized for his socio-political and religious beliefs. (5m 34s)

Muhammad Ali Embarks on a Tour Across Africa

Video has Closed Captions

Ali's tour of Africa revealed the mighty boxer's worldwide social influence. (3m 2s)

Muhammad Ali Fights Cleveland 'Big Cat' Williams

Video has Closed Captions

Muhammad Ali takes on Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. (2m 12s)

Muhammad Ali Is Found Guilty of Refusing the Draft

Video has Closed Captions

An all-white Houston jury found Muhammad Ali guilty of refusing the draft. (2m 39s)

Muhammad Ali Marries Belinda Boyd in Chicago

Video has Closed Captions

In 1966, Muhammad Ali met 16-year-old Belinda Boyd at a Nation of Islam bakery. (2m 50s)

Muhammad Ali Refuses the Vietnam War Draft

Video has Closed Captions

When Ali was drafted for Vietnam, many questioned whether he would accept the induction. (6m 15s)

Muhammad Ali's Focus on Racial Justice

Video has Closed Captions

In an interview, Ali hinted at retiring, saying he'd rather fight for racial justice. (2m 3s)

Outlash Follows Muhammad Ali's Criticism of the Vietnam War

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Muhammad Ali faces outlash after condemning the Vietnam War. (6m 15s)

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Corporate funding for MUHAMMAD ALI was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations,...

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