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Muhammad Ali
'The Greatest' — who backed his fists with a conscience the world could not ignore.
The rise
Born Cassius Clay in Louisville, he won Olympic gold and shocked boxing by beating Sonny Liston in 1964, then joined the Nation of Islam and took the name Muhammad Ali.
What they did
A three-time heavyweight champion in legendary fights like the 'Rumble in the Jungle' and 'Thrilla in Manila', he refused induction into the Vietnam War draft on religious and political grounds, sacrificing his prime years and title, and won his case at the Supreme Court.
The full picture
His draft stand made him a hated figure to many at the time, his cruel taunting of rivals drew criticism, and years of blows contributed to the Parkinson's that marked his later life.
Why it matters
Ali fused athletic genius with moral courage, showing that a Black athlete could speak, resist and stand on principle before the whole world.
“I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be who I want.”