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Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali is a name that is known all over the world. He is believed to be the greatest boxer in the history of the world. However, many would not know that Ali played a key role in the social change of America.

Ali changed many opinions of the people of America by showing that he was against war. The opposition was displayed through Ali’s refusal to be drafted by the army for the War in Vietnam. Ali expressed is Islamic religion by stating the war was against the Holy Qur’an. Only a war declared by Allah, or God, was acceptable. When Ali’s name was called to step forward at the U.S. Army induction, he refused. He was then notified that he was committing a federal crime and could serve five years in prison and be fined $10,000. Again Ali refused to step forward. The matter was then taken to court.

Shortly after Ali’s refusal, he was arrested and stripped of his boxing title. He was almost instantly found guilty, but Ali did not give up. The case went to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Ali’s conviction was reversed.

Ali’s refusal to step forward inspired many others to do so as well. He changed the opinions of many Americans from pro-war to anti-war, which contributed to the end of the War in Vietnam. To many people he truly is The Greatest.

Friends: Malcom X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.