Muhammad Ali’s legacy is celebrated at interfaith memorial service

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) Muhammad Ali himself made detailed plans for his final farewell years in advance. It was a grand event in his hometown of Louisville. The “People’s Champ” wanted everyday fans to attend, not just VIPS, and it’s a celebration of life he wanted the world to see.

In front of a sold out crowd of 15,000 Ali was remembered today in a memorial service honoring his Muslim faith, but shared by those of all religions and ethnicities. The ceremony opened with recitations from the Quran in this holiest months of Ramadan and traditional Islamic funeral song.

His message of humility, courage, and fighting for what you believe in was a message that transcended his time. He fought for the rights of black Americans during the civil rights era and gave up his heavyweight title to fight his draft into the Vietnam War all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Louisville Reverand Kevin Cosby compared Ali to a racehorse in the Kentucky Derby, a figure who many bet on while in the winner’s circle but who black Americans could count on when he was stuck in the mud.

“But the masses bet on him while he was still in the mud. (applause) Kareem Abdul Jabbar stood with him when he was in the mud, Jim Brown stood with him when he was in the mud, Bill Russell stood with him when he was in the mud, Howard Cosell stood with him when he was in the mud.”

Among the crowd, pallbearers actor Will Smith who played Ali in the movie, and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis who helped carry the casket at Ali’s funeral.

After hearing a statement on behalf of the President, family, actor Billy Crystal, and sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, Ali’s friend and Former President Bill Clinton closed the ceremony with the last eulogy.