SPECIAL EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE 2015 MUHAMMAD ALI HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

While you’re in Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, we hope you can participate in Ali Center-related special programs leading up to the Awards, called Days of Greatness. All activities are sure to kindle your spirit by learning more about Muhammad Ali’s legacy and his Six Core Principles!

Thursday, September 17th, 2015
FILM SERIES: Free Screening of Pushing the Elephant

Rose Mapendo, who is this year’s Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awardee for Gender Equality, will be in attendance to introduce the film and answer questions.

"Pushing the Elephant" tells the extraordinary story of a mother and daughter reunited after a decade separated by civil war. In the late 1990s, Rose Mapendo lost everything to the violence that engulfed the Democratic Republic of Congo. She emerged from the suffering advocating peace and reconciliation. But after helping numerous victims to rebuild their lives, there is one person Rose must still teach to forgive—her daughter Nangabire.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for reception and light refreshments.

Thursday, September 17th, 2015
FILM SERIES: Free Screening of Cassius Ali

(Showing at both 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on September 17.)

The defining life-lessons for Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) did not take place inside the ring, nor did such lessons take place in front of television cameras or movie lights. Rather, the lessons Cassius learned were during childhood, in the face of racial prejudice, economic disadvantage, and an inferior educational system. This film explores the stage that was set which ultimately led to one of the greatest civil rights and religious leaders the World has ever known, tracing Muhammad Ali’s incredible life journey, starting with the love of his adoring mother, Odessa Clay, his father, Cassius, Sr., and his brother, Rudolph Clay, at 3302 Grand Avenue, Louisville, KY.

Writer/Director/Producer of CASSIUS ALI, Evan Bochetto, will be in attendance for Q&A!
Runtime: 15 minutes (with credits)

No RSVP, ticket, or registration required. Just show up and enjoy the show!

Grand Avenue Experience

To be exhibited within the Muhammad Ali Childhood Home Museum, CASSIUS ALI will be shown to visitors upon their arrival. The film will be a vital experience at the museum, and will present information about Muhammad Ali’s life and the importance of his childhood years on Grand Avenue. Walking away from this introductory and educational film, visitors will have gained an insight into the depth, accomplishments, and struggles of Ali’s childhood, while also gaining an insight into the Grand Ave neighborhood itself. With interviews ranging from Muhammad Ali’s brother, Rahaman Ali, to Ali’s childhood neighbor, Lawrence Montgomery, this film represents the true colors of Louisville’s West End in the 1950s and 60s.

Friday, September 18th, 2015
DAUGHTERS OF GREATNESS: Dawne Gee

Our monthly “Daughters of Greatness” breakfast series features prominent women engaged in social philanthropy, activism, and pursuits of justice. The stories and reflections they share are motivational to some people, transformative to others, and inspirational to all. As part of our Days of Greatness, the Ali Center welcomes Dawne Gee as September’s Daughter of Greatness.

As a news personality, Dawne hosted WAVE 3 Listens for four years. She also has distinguished herself with the production of the WAVE 3 Step Awards which aired its first live broadcast in February 1997. Dawne is active in the community, serving on the Brain Injury Association of Kentucky Board and is an Alumnae of the University of Louisville. Dawne also donates her time to the following organizations: Spina Bifida Association, American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Lung Association, Lupus Foundation of America, Community Health Charities, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, GuardiaCare Advisory Council, Indian Summer Camp, and any group that needs help.

Hot breakfast will be served at 8:30am. The program will follow from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Seating is limited.

Tickets are $20 for Ali Center Members, $25 for non-Members, $15 for students, and $200 for a table of 10. Tickets must be purchased in advance by clicking here.

For more information contact, Erin Herbert at eherbert@alicenter.org, or at (502) 992-5341.

Friday, September 18th, 2015
MEET THE ARTIST: Michelle Wong

Come meet our 'Through the Lens' photographer for the fall of 2015, Michelle Wong, and walk through a special selection of his pictures on display at the Ali Center.

Michelle J. Wong is a photographer, journalist, writer, columnist, and international correspondent. Born in Heredia, Costa Rica, he left home at the age of 14 to begin his world travels. His journeys have extended from Haiti and Bolivia to Syria and Iraq. His work has appeared in various publications around the world, including The New York Times, Vogue Magazine, Reuters, and National Geographic. He advocates for those who are rendered powerless by injustice and economic struggles through images and his own stories. He is known for his strong portraiture style, focused on expressions and gestures.

'Through the Lens' is a new series of annual photography-based exhibits that explore the work of artists using their medium and talents to highlight inequalities related to gender, race, and poverty.

This event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments and appetizers will be served. Please RSVP to Erin Herbert at eherbert@alicenter.org or by calling (502) 992-5341.