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The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards

Celebrating Greatness and honoring those who carry on Muhammad Ali's work towards a more just and compassionate world.

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Celebrating Greatness

Launched in 2013, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards (MAHA) were developed to honor Ali’s lifelong humanitarianism and to celebrate a new generation of social changemakers.

Each year, the Ali Center pays tribute to a number of high-profile “seasoned humanitarians” who are named as Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awardees.

In addition, we honor six young adults, age 30 and under, who are serving as advocates, activists, and role models in ways that are transforming communities and bringing about positive change in the world. Each of these winners is recognized for embodying one of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.

The annual MAHA ceremony is the Ali Center’s primary fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the Center’s mission-based programs, community events, impactful partnerships, digital content, and museum exhibitions.

2024 Awardees

Learn more about the honorees of this year's Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.
This year's ceremony takes place on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

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James Macari for Authentic Brand Group

Shaquille O'Neal

O'Neal will receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award, raising millions for charity and launching the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation.

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Equal Justice Initiative

Bryan Stevenson

Stevenson will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Equal Justice Initiative in eliminating unjust sentencing.

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Fran DeFeo Public Relations

Nile Rodgers

Rodgers will receive the Global Citizenship Award for his efforts making the world more inclusive and fighting systemic racism.

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WAVE News

Dawne Gee

Gee will receive the Kentucky Humanitarian Award for her generous support of the Louisville community and her nonprofit "A Recipe to End Hunger."

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Deja Foxx - Confidence

Foxx founded GenZ Girl Gang, whose mission is to redefine sisterhood for a new generation through bridging generational gaps.

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Charlot Magayi - Conviction

Magayi founded Mukuru Clean Stoves, a product to help mothers keep their children safe and reduce household air pollution.

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Shah Chowdhury and Mohammad Yasir - Dedication

The co-founders of Footsteps provide over 600,000 people across Bangladesh with safe water, sanitation access, and improved health services

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Sophia Kianni - Giving

Kianni, the founder and executive director of Climate Cardinals, an international youth-led making the climate movement more accessible.

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Lianna Genovese - Respect

Genovese founded ImaginAble Solutions, a social impact company creating technology to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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Richa Gupta - Spirituality

Gupta co-founded the Labhya Foundation, a visionary nonprofit improving the quality of education and well-being for children.

Sold Out!

This year’s Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards is sold out! For additional sponsorship and ticketing options, email us here.

Celebrating 50 years of Zaire 74

Ahead of the Rumble in the Jungle, a musical festival called Zaire 74 was planned, as a celebration of African and African American artists.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Zaire 74 music festival, the Ali Center will come alive during the cocktail hour before MAHA, with acts from around the commonwealth bringing music and art to the Center.

The groups performing include:

Simmons College of Kentucky Ambassador Chorale

The Simmons College of Kentucky Ambassador Chorale is the concert choir at Louisville’s HBCU. Directed by Christopher G. Smith, “Chorale” endeavors to uphold the cherished HBCU choir tradition of showcasing the splendor in its beloved alma mater, delivering dynamic performances of literature from composers and arrangers from the African Diaspora.

Aseye Ensemble

Aseye Ensemble is a West African Drum and Dance group that performs traditional rhythms from Ghana, West Africa. Directed by Charles Amewudah, a master drummer from Ghana, our music is high energy and joyful and we encourage audience dance participation.

Facebook : Aseye Ensemble

Youtube : Aseye Ensemble

Website : Aseyeensemble.com

Sassy Wellness

Sassy Wellness is a Latin Dance and Performance company located in Central Kentucky that specializes in Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and Merengue instruction. Sassy Wellness also curates the local Latin dance social scene by providing students and the community spaces to dance outside of the studio every month. Sassy Wellness also promotes collaboration amongst local dance studios in the area. The first set of the evening will include a Salsa Fusion piece, an Egyptian Drum Solo, and a Colombian Folkloric Cumbia Piece. The second set of the evening will include a traditional Salsa piece, a Fusion Belly Dance Solo, and a Bachata Fusion piece.

Website: www.sassywellnesswithlibby.com

Years of Celebrating Changemakers

This year, the Ali Center celebrates its 11th annual Humanitarian Awards.

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