My Muhammad Ali Story for EPF National Executive Council

When I first moved to Southwest Michigan, our most famous

resident by far was Muhammad Ali.  (Some claim at the time

he was THE most famous person on the planet.)

Mr. Ali's Parkinson's had not progressed dramatically yet in

early to mid 90s.  Mr. Ali bought a home in Berrien Springs 

once owned by Al Capone, but that is another story.  

 

Berrien Springs is a racially diverse, small town community in that

its heart is Andrews University, a Seventh Day Adventist college

which brings in students from all over the world.  There is a

Korean church, Asian markets, and other aspects which

make it quite unique for a small town.  I suspect that is why 

Mr. Ali chose to have his son come of age in Berrien Springs.

(His son was a star baseball player for Niles High School.)

Obviously, Mr. Ali was an African American who converted

to Islam (which some will remember was very controversial 

at the time) and who later refused induction into the draft as a

conscientious objector (CO).  I appreciated Mr. Ali for the latter

since I had those same CO stirrings in the 60s.  Mr. Ali who

stood toe to toe with Frazier, Liston, Foreman, and others

was obviously not a coward which made me believe that CO
could also be a courageous stance.

In the 90s, Mr. Ali was active with various non-profit 

activities while in Southwest Michigan.  He was a supporter

of the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club, for instance.

I suspect that is where he met Jeanine's husband who

was a Whirlpool executive.  

Jeanine taught/teaches elementary students in the 

school district where I worked before retiring.  

At Jeanine's elementary school, I had an "important" meeting

one day.  I was running late for the meeting, so as I left

my car I hurried up the main sidewalk leading into the 

building.

In front of me on the sidewalk was a black gentleman 

and a lady.  Both were wearing business suits.  One

of them, I can't remember which, was carrying a valise.

I thought they looked like textbook salesman because

of their dress and this valise.  Maybe it carried book

samples?

I hurriedly walked past them to my meeting without

giving it much further thought.  As I got closer to the 

school, several children and a  teacher were

waving rather excitedly through the school door glass.

Since I had only been in the district a year or so,

I though "Wow, they really like me here at Stewart

Elementary.  Hi Kids!"

I opened the school door and my friend the special

education teacher said:

"Rob, you just walked right past Muhammad Ali."

I turned around and had an OMG moment.

Mr. Ali was at the school to visit Jeanine's class.

The valise?  His magician's bag of tricks.  Mr. Ali

absolutely loved hearing the squeeling and giggles

of little children as he performed his magic act.

It is my understanding that Jeanine's class was not

the only one in which he enjoyed bringing this special 

talent to bear.

See:

The "scary" black Muslim CO, who floated like a butterfly

and stung like a bee, could also bring joy to 

a 3rd grader's (and his own) day with some silly magic tricks.

He may have been a little, ok a LOT, over-the-top

in his boxing days.  But inside?  Not scary,

a big softy.

"Let the little children come to me and

do not hinder them..."

- Amen