Lonnie Ali - "Religion is a word." / Louisville Late Night / LLN140/C

Описание: “Religion is a word!” - Lonnie Ali

“Never did enter into his head that he’d be world famous you know, & to be loved & to be put on a world stage the way he has. I can’t believe he could imagine it as well, but that’s where his journey has taken him. Any child can achieve that same kind of greatness! It’s just what you believe about yourself & how hard you’re willing to work to get there.”

“You know Muhammad’s very humble but I’ll tell you that even in his private moments he thinks he’s the greatest. It’s true! He does. But he doesn’t really think about the impact he has made on people. We see it. He doesn’t realize his impact on people. He doesn’t realize his effect on people. And I think that’s what keeps him humble, cause he knew he has that kind of power, but He only uses it for good, never to hurt anyone ever, never to bring them down or make them feel bad about themselves, no matter the circumstance. Even when I think he should be the really hard disciplinarian. Can’t get him to do it, can’t get him to do it because it’s just not in his nature, not in the man. He cannot make somebody feel bad about themselves no matter what. His ability to inspire is probably one of his biggest gifts & probably the biggest gift he has that he really doesn’t realize he has, even though we tell him. I don’t think that, on the level, he has really comprehended how much he inspires other people.

It doesn’t matter to us what religion you are. It’s about spiritual centering. Muhammad had spiritual centering. Muhammad was just able to find his, first as a Baptist. His mother raised him as a Baptist & then his conversion to Islam. He found that in Islam. That doesn’t mean everybody’s going to find it there. But it’s not really about religion. It’s about the spiritual nature of the human being & how that spirituality guides you through life & centers you. It’s not about promoting Islam, it’s about promoting spirituality in a human being. There are a lot of Muslims who realize you don’t have to be a Muslim to go to heaven. There’s a lot of Christians who realize you do not have to be a Christian to go to heaven. It’s about the goodness within all of us. If you ever studied the religions, for instance, if you ever studied Sufism which is a form of Islam, if you ever studied the Kaballa, if you ever studied the Buddist monks & the way they believe - they’re at another level. It’s not about religion. It’s about how you give back, how you give back to others.

It’s not about religion. ‘Religion’ is a word!”
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"It’s said that “behind every great man there’s a woman.” So how do you classify the woman who stands beside the man considered Greatest of All Time? A man, who years after leaving the ring, remains the most recognizable figure in boxing, perhaps in the world? His legacy, as one of the finest athletes in history, is only rivaled by his outspoken activism to an unpopular cause; a commitment that would eventually rob him of his status, his youthful agility, and his world title. Muhammad Ali’s life story—facets, rumors, truths—continues to be a rich broth generating an embarrassment of books and biopics. His youthful antics, razor-sharp word play, and incredible talent linger on as the inspiration for those who aspire to his throne. But not even champions are immune from the arbitrary tricks of fate, the consequences of their choices, the unconscionable devastation of illness. Sometimes, even the Greatest of All Time needs help. And so, we watched with relief, as this bitter turn of events perpetrated on one of the brightest stars of our times turned into a compelling love story. That is what happened when Muhammad Ali married the young, vivacious Yolanda (Lonnie) Williams. Lonnie Ali has never been a silent partner. She has chosen the spotlight in order to give voice to a man who can no longer do that for himself. Her continuing contribution to her husband’s values and quality of life, a life influenced by 33 years of illness, is beyond reproach. She knowingly chose this path and accepts all the ramifications; not just the accolades, but the criticism from those who question her position and power. And she does this with great dignity. It is through her that he remains a potent, philanthropic force. If somewhere in the dictionary Muhammad Ali’s name is listed under Champion, then so is hers. She is, after all, the champion’s champion; and I am privileged to offer this intimate interview with the wife of The Greatest, a great woman herself, Yolanda Lonnie Ali." - Jill Diamond, boxing.com

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