Ali Center is Open from 9:30am – 5:00pm on Monday, January 17th
New Ali Center President and CEO, Marilyn Jackson, Takes the Helm
On Monday, January 17th, Muhammad Ali would have turned 80 years old. This year, his birthday not only coincides with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but also marks the first day that Marilyn Jackson will take the helm as the President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, the first time in its history that a woman will lead the sixteen year-old organization in this role. She will succeed Laura M. Douglas, who has served as the Interim President and CEO since March 2021.
The Ali Center has organized a combination of both on-site and online events throughout the day on January 17th providing opportunities for visitors to learn about and celebrate the lives of both Ali and King, two icons who fought for justice and believed in respect, dignity and equality for all. The Ali Center will be open to the public from 9:30am – 5:00pm.
Additionally, the community is reminded that the Ali Center will be donating $1 for every admission ticket sold until January 30th to the Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. More information can be found here.
Event Line-Up for Monday, January 17
BLOOD DRIVE
11:00am – 5:00pm
Support Muhammad’s legacy of Giving by donating blood on his 80th birthday. January is National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross blood supply is at a 10+ year low for this time of year. Safety precautions are in place and can be viewed here. Limited spots available. Sign up here.
“I HAVE A DREAM” SCREENINGS
10:00am – 4:00pm
It has become customary for the Ali Center to screen Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. This year, the screenings will take place from 10am – 4pm in the Center’s Auditorium. Limited seating available and safety precautions will be in place. Free and open to the public. Regular admission price to the Center’s award-winning exhibits still apply.
YOUTH COUNCIL ONLINE DISCUSSION
11:30am – 12:30pm
Each year the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) explore the legacies, relevance and impact that both Muhammad Ali and Dr. King have had on young leaders today. The community is invited to participate in an online panel called, “Continuing the Legacy, Continuing the Dream.” The Ali Center will be hosting the event on Facebook Live from 11:30am – 12:30pm.
ONLINE DISCUSSIONS CELEBRATING THE POWER OF MENTORING INSPIRED BY MUHAMMAD ALI’S IMPACT ON OTHERS
Since 2017, International Mentoring Day has been observed on January 17 during National Mentoring Month. The purpose is to foster global understanding and to support the mentoring movement worldwide. Join in on a day of international conversation on social media where photos, videos and messages of powerful mentoring stories are shared. Muhammad’s legacy is the inspiration for the day—specifically his six core principles of Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Respect, Giving and Spirituality. Share your own mentoring stories or join in the discussion on social media!
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