Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, was one of the most iconic and influential figures in Black history. He was not only known for his incredible boxing skills but also for his outspoken activism and advocacy for civil rights.

Ali first gained fame as a boxer when he won the gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He went on to have a legendary professional boxing career, becoming a three-time heavyweight champion and one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Outside of the ring, Ali was a passionate advocate for racial justice and civil rights. He converted to Islam in the early 1960s and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, rejecting his "slave name" as a symbol of his identity and beliefs. Ali famously refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War in 1967, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. This decision led to him being stripped of his boxing titles and banned from boxing for several years.

Ali's activism and defiance of the establishment made him a polarizing figure in the 1960s and 1970s, but he never wavered in his commitment to his principles. Over time, he became a symbol of resistance and empowerment for Black Americans and people around the world.

In his later years, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, likely due to the head trauma he suffered during his boxing career. Despite his health struggles, he remained a beloved and respected figure until his passing on June 3, 2016.

Overall, Muhammad Ali's impact on Black history cannot be overstated. He used his platform as a world-renowned athlete to speak out against racism, injustice, and inequality, inspiring generations of people to stand up for their beliefs and fight for a better world.