The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards

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.

The 11th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards saw changemakers from across the globe come together to celebrate the ways they are forwarding Muhammad Ali’s humanitarian legacy. On November 9, 2024, the local community from Muhammad’s hometown of Louisville gathered alongside national and international visitors to highlight the work of 11 individuals embodying greatness in the work they do.

Emmy-award winning journalist Dawne Gee received the Kentucky Humanitarian Award for her support of local nonprofits. Her charitable work has been recognized by many organizations in the commonwealth of Kentucky, and in 2015, Gee founded her own nonprofit to help feed families in need titled “A Recipe to End Hunger and Need.”

“I know for a fact if we could learn to love as loud as the world hates what a difference it would make,” Gee said.  “I belong to you, and you belong to me and there is nothing we can do about it. It does not mean we all agree but we can all respect each other and treat each other with civility and love.”

Nile Rodgers, singer, songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, earned the Global Citizenship Award for his efforts building bridges between music and philanthropy by participating in many different historic fundraising efforts. He co-founded the “We Are Family Foundation” to empower young people at the forefront of fighting systemic racism, inequality and injustice.

“Music is our universal language, and it’s also my life. It gives me the strength to sacrifice, idealize and give back much like Muhammad Ali,” Rodgers said. “At We Are Family Foundation, we believe in young people who have ideals and ideas that are molding a better future for us all.”

Shaquille O’Neal, NBA Hall of Famer and larger-than-life personality, was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award for raising millions of dollars to charity and creating pathways for underserved youth through his Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, helping children and teens bring about change within their own communities.

“It’s through organizations like the Ali Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs that each of us can find a way to contribute to something greater than ourselves,” O’Neal said. “More than just helping kids stay on the right path, it’s about showing them that they have the power to create change in their communities, their country, and even the world.  By nurturing and empowering young people, we honor Muhammad Ali’s legacy.”

Bryan Stevenson, widely acclaimed public interest lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for winning major legal challenges in eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing. His team has won reversals, relief, or release from prison for hundreds of individuals who were wrongly convicted.

“We have got to be hopeful people when we leave here,” Stevenson said. “I don’t subscribe to the politics of fear and anger. I don’t like the politics of fear and anger, because I believe when people allow themselves to be governed by fear and anger, they begin to tolerate things that they shouldn’t tolerate.”

Deja Foxx, 23, recipient of the Core Principle Confidence Award, fights for access to reproductive care within the United States and bridging generational gaps by creating opportunities for young women through her organization “GenZ Girl Gang.”

“We do not pick our battles because we are sure we can win,” Foxx said. “No, we pick our battles, knowing that even, if, especially we incur loss we will be able stand behind our work with head held high and say with confidence: we fought for what was right.”

Charlot Magayi, 30, from Kenya, received the Core Principle Conviction Award for her work founding Mukuru Clean Stoves, providing local communities in Kenya with safer cooking technologies. Magayi also works to build a smoke and toxin-free world by fighting household air pollution.

“Let’s continue dreaming big and doing great things—for our people, for our planet, and for the next generation,” Magayi said. “For what is more human than caring deeply for the humans who surround us, lifting others as we rise, and building a world where empathy and conviction lead the way?”

Shah Chowdhury and Mohammad Yasir, 28, from Bangladesh, earned the Core Principle Dedication Award for their work as the co-founders of Footsteps, an organization empowering people within their community with safe water and sanitation access. Their work has helped individuals within Bangladesh to integrate technology to overcome social challenges.

“I want to take this opportunity to dedicate this award to a special group of people, to the young people of Bangladesh,” Chowdhury said. “Four months ago, the immense bravery and sacrifice of these young people helped overthrow a government which took advantage of us in every way possible for the last 15 years, and now have given us a chance to build a future for our country in the way that we have always dreamed of.”

Sophia Kianni, 22, from Iran, earned the Core Principle Giving Award for the creation of Climate Cardinals, an organization working to make the climate movement more accessible to people who don’t speak English. The organization works to provide and translate educational resources to those who wish to learn more and make a change for the environment.

“Our work is proof that when we give our time, our voices, and our energy to work together on solutions, we can create real change — breaking down barriers and empowering young people with opportunities to make a difference,” Kianni said.

Lianna Genovese, 24, from Canada, received the Core Principle Respect Award for her work founding ImaginAble Solutions, a social impact company creating assistive technology for individuals with limited mobility. Her invention, “Guided Hands,” helps enable individuals write, paint, and use technology who may be otherwise unable to.

“I built the first 150 devices in my basement on my ping pong table. My dad’s electricity bill skyrocketed thanks to my six 3D printers,” Genovese said. “Mom, Dad, thank you for being in the basement with me and showing me that compassion and hard work can create a big impact. Five years later, Guided Hands is now helping people in 23 countries.”

Richa Gupta, 28, from India, earned the Core Principle Spirituality Award for her work creating programs that improve the quality and well-being for children. Her organization. “Labhya Foundation,” impacts 2.4 million vulnerable children enabling them to learn and become effective leaders.

“Today, together with our government partners, my non-profit impacts 2.4 million children, every single day,” Gupta said. “Our programs have transformed the lives of children by enabling better mental health, them gaining critical skills like grit, resilience, and by them learning better, all while joyfully and mindfully participating in a daily class and reflecting on their daily life.”

With a room full of inspiring stories and amazing individuals, the Muhammad Ali Center also teased its newest project, the Muhammad Ali Index. Created with partners at Sparks and Honey, a cultural intelligence research consultancy that helps organizations understand explosive and immediate cultural shifts, the Muhammad Ali Index will study and predict the the state compassion around America, so that the root causes of hate and discrimination and violent extremism can be tracked.

More information on the Muhammad Ali Index can be found here.

The Muhammad Ali Center is also gearing up for its 20th anniversary in the year 2025. More announcements are set to be provided in the near future on upcoming projects celebrating 20 years of greatness here at the Center.

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

Groups performing included:

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

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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

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.

TKO Boxing

TKO Boxing is a local boxing group within Louisville providing training and fitness programs. Special demonstrations were held throughout the evening in the Muhammad Ali Center for people to train just like Ali did before his Rumble in the Jungle matchup with George Foreman.

Facebook : TKO Boxing

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Youth Performing Arts School

The Youth Performing Arts School, a performing arts school magnet within duPont Manual High School, provides educational arts programming to students interested in Vocal Music, Instrumental Music , Dance, Theatre, and Design and Theatre Production. Saturday’s performances included a jazz ensemble and a musical theater performance inspired by Zaire 74.

Website: Youth Performing Arts School

Facebook: Youth Performing Arts School

For information on how to sponsor or be a part of upcoming Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, email us here.