Will Include Games, Demonstrations, Care Packages, and More

Just as Muhammad Ali would visit neighborhoods throughout his hometown of Louisville, KY, the Muhammad Ali Center is bringing the spirit and love of Muhammad Ali to the people. The Ali Community Bus will be stopping in six Louisville community centers as part of the Ali Festival. Each stop will include fun activities for all ages, with each one representing one of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles- Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality. Featured activities include an egg race relay, an obstacle course, “Ali Shuffle” musical chairs, crafts, resources provided by Metro United Way, as well as a few surprises. The Ali Center Community Bus will be provided by TARC.

“Muhammad Ali was always on the move,” said Laura Douglas, Interim President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, “Whether it was travelling for professional fights or humanitarian missions around the world; running alongside buses in his hometown on the way to school; or simply hopping on a Louisville city bus to deliver positivity throughout the community, Muhammad was the People’s Champion in and outside of the ring. It is the Ali Center’s hope that the Ali Community Bus will replicate that same inspiration and fun to young people around our city that Muhammad delivered over six decades ago.”

Ali Community Bus Schedule:

• Monday, June 7^th
  • 10:00am – 11:30am: Youthbuild
    • Address: 800 S. Preston St, Louisville, KY 40203
  • 1:30pm – 3:30pm: Chestnut Street Family YMCA
    • Address: 930 W. Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40203

• Wednesday, June 9^th
  • 12:00pm – 1:30pm: Newburg Community Center
    • Address: 4810 Exeter Ave, Louisville, KY 40218
  • 3:00pm – 4:30pm: Neighborhood House
    • Address: 201 N. 25^th St, Louisville, KY 40212

• Friday, June 11^th
  • 10:00am – 11:30am: Jewish Community Center
    • Address: 3600 Dutchmans Ln, Louisville, KY 40205
  • 2:00pm – 3:30pm: Parkland Boys & Girls Club
    • Address: 3200 Greenwood Ave, Louisville, KY 40211

Other Ali Festival Events throughout the 10-day Festival include:

• Roses & Remembrance for Muhammad: A Community Invitation to Cave Hill: The Ali Center and Cave Hill Cemetery invite the public to pay their respects to Muhammad on the five-year anniversary of his passing by visiting his gravesite on June 3^rd from 12:00 noon-3:00pm. Upon arrival, visitors will be given a rose of remembrance and a $2 off admission coupon to the Ali Center that can be used throughout the Ali Festival, June 3-13.
• Daily screenings throughout the week of City of Ali, a documentary that tells the story of how Muhammad’s death unified his hometown of Louisville—as well as the world—featuring candid interviews and thoughtful reflections from visitors and observers during that week. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance at https://alicenter.org/ali-fest/. Tickets will also be available on-site prior to screenings, but only if seats are available.
• Youth Poetry and Art Contest: The Ali Center is seeking student artists, grades K-12, to submit poetry or art based on specific Ali-related themes. Winners will receive prizes. Details are available HERE.
• Muhammad and LeRoy: A Friendship in Art Digital Exhibit, in recognition of Muhammad Ali and LeRoy Neiman’s friendship and to commemorate what would have been Mr. Neiman’s 100^th birthday on June 8^th. The exhibit will be launching on June 8^th. More information can be found HERE.
• “Open House” at the Ali Center’s Archival Library: Also on June 8^th, on-site visitors will have the rare opportunity to view special artifacts brought out of its archives and to interact with the Center’s Collections & Exhibits staff during this time. Open from 12:30-4:30pm.
• “I Am America” Online Series: On June 9^th, our virtual series will focus on Islamophobia. Participants will hear from panelists, who will discuss how it has long been a part of racism and prejudice within our country; and suggestions for compassionate action and inclusive community-building. Register HERE.
• Ali Festival Eats and Treats: Give your taste buds a treat by enjoying special Ali-themed food fun. Participating restaurants/hotels include:

o    The Galt House with Muhammad Ali’s Bread Pudding, Ali’s favorite dessert and his chef’s original recipe. Served at both Galt House restaurants, Swizzle and Walker’s Exchange

o    The new Grady Hotel with the Muhammad Ali Appetizer Special of Soup & Dumplings, served at the Wild Swann Restaurant

o    Mark’s Feed Store, on June 2^nd and 3^rd, 15% of pre-tax purchases made will be donated to the Ali Center when presenting a flyer that can be found on HERE.

• Messages for Muhammad: Businesses throughout the city are encouraged to display a sign on the windows of their place of business to help relive the community spirit that Louisville shared around Ali’s passing.

Please continue to visit the Ali Center’s website, www.alicenter.org for updates and new events.