A Public Dedication and Community Celebration Scheduled for Muhammad Ali Center Grand Opening
The much-anticipated grand opening celebration of the Muhammad Ali Center will culminate with a Public Dedication and Community Celebration Sunday, November 20 from 1–3 p.m. at downtown Louisville’s Riverfront Plaza on the Belvedere.
“As an educational and cultural ‘global gathering place,’ the Ali Center welcomes members of the community to join in celebrating the opening of the center,” said Michael J. Fox, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “It is only appropriate that the event showcases the ideals of our founders, Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, and the core values of the Ali Center – respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, giving and spirituality – through symbolic presentations of diversity, cultural expression, and community spirit.”
The dedication ceremony will begin with musical performances, poetry readings, and other artistic presentations. The festivities will feature nationally recognized rap group and Kentucky natives Nappy Roots as well as student performers from Jefferson County Public Schools, the River City Drum Corps, the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students, and local artists and musicians, among other highlights.
Speakers of local, statewide and national prominence will include Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, Congresswoman Anne Northup, Senator Mitch McConnell, Governor Ernie Fletcher, Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson, and Louisville Metro Councilman David Tandy in addition to other special guests. The ceremony will conclude with the Louisville Police Activities League presentation of the first annual Sgt. Joe Martin, Sr. Award to two outstanding high school students who embody and represent the six core values of the Ali Center.
