Muhammad Ali/Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., referred to as Cassius in this guide, was a famous boxer and activist. After his conversion to the Islamic faith, he became known as Muhammad Ali. Cassius grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, during the 1940s and 1950s. He was the oldest of two sons and was very close to his brother Rudy. His father was Cassius Clay Sr., a sign painter. His mother was Momma “Bird” Clay. She cleaned houses for wealthy Whites. The work his mother did made Cassius humble, knowing that she took pride in her work and did what she needed to for her family.

Cassius was funny, loud, and sometimes went overboard with his verbal sparring. For example, he was involved in an argument with a bully named Corky that was about to be resolved but Cassius continued to make rhyming jokes until Corky demanded...