Churchill Downs to celebrate Muhammad Ali as part of 502’S DAY

Churchill Downs to celebrate Muhammad Ali as part of 502’S DAY

Gold Kentucky Derby logo with the number "151" designed similar to the Twin Spires
Kentucky Derby

04.23.25

MEDIA ADVISORY

Churchill Downs to celebrate Muhammad Ali as part of 502’S DAY Derby Week Event

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 23, 2025) — Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) and the Muhammad Ali Center are teaming up for a Louisville-centered celebration on Derby 151 Week – 502’S DAY. This unique celebration will spotlight local boxing clubs, feature an interactive art installation, and host a fashion contest, all celebrating Muhammad Ali’s enduring impact.

Now in its third year, 502’SDAY returns to Churchill Downs as a celebration of the Louisville community. This year’s event, based on the “Louisville Lip,” will feature boxing demonstrations from local gyms – TKO and All or Nothing. These demonstrations will be set up on the Paddock Terrace, directly under the shadow of the iconic Twin Spires.

Louisville’s own Braylyn “Resko” Stewart will create a live art installation, offering a unique opportunity for the community to engage in a visual tribute to Muhammad Ali. This will take place near Club SI and is supported by Everlast. The Inaugural Ali-Ville Classic Race will also be a part of the day’s full racing card.

Other activations include Ali Trivia, and the Style Under the Spires Fashion contest, where guests are encouraged to “Shop Local” to support their favorite local stores by showcasing outfits that highlight the best of Louisville fashion. It will all be hosted by Ali Center Board Member and lifelong friend of Muhammad Ali’s, John Ramsey.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the first race is at 12:45 p.m.

For more information, visit this website.

Contact:
Annie Moore
Muhammad Ali Center
amoore@alicenter.org
502.992.5338 or 812.786.1072 mobile

Hayley Armstrong
Churchill Downs
Hayley.armstrong@kyderby.com
502-356-7796

Ali Center releases statement on passing of George Foreman

Ali Center releases statement on passing of George Foreman

Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali standing next to each other in suits and holding onto rope of boxing ring
Gray Mortimore

03.24.25

Ali Center releases statement on passing of George Foreman

LOUISVILLE, KY (March 24, 2025) – The Boxing world has lost a giant. We at the Muhammad Ali Center are devastated by the news of George Foreman’s passing. Foreman’s life and legacy is inextricably linked with Muhammad Ali’s in the boxing ring and beyond. While they were adversaries in the ring, Ali and Foreman developed a close friendship, and celebrated each others Greatness together, remaining friends until Muhammad’s passing in 2016.

These two heavyweight champions, each with storied careers and second acts stayed connected through decades, and will forever be linked by the Rumble in the Jungle, their legendary bout in Zaire, Africa, 1974. The Rumble in the Jungle heavyweight matchup in Zaire was watched by millions, and despite the fierce rivalry among Foreman and Ali, the two became best of friends.

Their journey from fierce rivals to dear friends is just one of the many lessons we can learn from their stories. Much like Ali, Foreman’s philanthropic impact made him a true champion beyond his career as a heavyweight, and his impact will be felt for generations. Like Muhammad, his legacy lives on. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. We send our condolences to his wife Mary, his children, and his many, many friends.

“Over the years, George became a friend to Muhammad and me. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He leaves a rich legacy of compassion, kindness and generosity. He will be missed. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all. “ – Lonnie Ali

Muhammad Ali and George Foreman fought only once – October 30, 1974 in Zaire, Africa – a fight nicknamed the Rumble in the Jungle. Ali won by knockout, and the fight remains one of the most legendary and celebrated heavyweight bouts of all time. 

George Foreman passed on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Ali Center presenting ‘Emerging G.O.A.T. Award’ to Travis Hunter

Ali Center presenting ‘Emerging G.O.A.T. Award’ to Travis Hunter

Aerial photo of the Muhammad Ali Center

02.20.25

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center to give Inaugural ‘Emerging G.O.A.T. Award’ to Travis Hunter

New award to celebrate athletes exhibiting humanitarian excellence

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 20, 2025) — The Muhammad Ali Center is proud to announce the creation of the new Emerging G.O.A.T. Award, and the inaugural recipient as Colorado Football’s Travis Hunter.

The Emerging G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Award celebrates the best young athletes showcasing humanitarian work and excellence in their chosen sport, in the essence of Muhammad Ali.

Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner and two-time Paul Hornung Award winner, will receive the award on March 3 at the Muhammad Ali Center, while speaking to student-athletes from around the Louisville area.

“The Emerging G.O.A.T. Award is meant to lift up those carrying forward Muhammad’s torch of greatness, both in sport and as a humanitarian,” said Ali Center President and CEO DeVone Holt. “I’m proud to present Travis Hunter with the inaugural award, and can think of no better representation of its intent and purpose.”

Hunter, who’s been called ‘the hardest working man in football’ exemplifies Muhammad Ali’s dedication, and has advocated for those disadvantaged through his work and financial investment.

“Travis Hunter is an exceptional young man and an outstanding football player,” said Louisville Sports Commission President & CEO Greg Fante. “He won the 2024 Paul Hornung Award for the most versatile player in major college football and is our first repeat winner, having also won in 2023. The Muhammad Ali Center’s inaugural Emerging G.O.A.T. Award further highlights Travis’ excellence on and off the football field.”

Media is invited to attend the presentation and student-led discussion program at the Muhammad Ali Center. It will take place on Monday, March 3 at 10 a.m. in View Pointe Hall.

This event is not open to the public. Media that plan on attending, please RSVP to Annie Moore by March 1.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

502.992.5338 or 812.786.1072 mobile

Ali Center to host new Thunder Over Louisville event

Ali Center to host new Thunder Over Louisville event

Muhammad Ali Center building with purple fireworks in background with text "Enjoy Thunder Over Louisville @ MAC"

02.13.25

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center to host new Thunder Over Louisville event

For the first time since opening, the Ali Center to host entire day of activities

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 13, 2025) —The Muhammad Ali Center is now selling tickets for a special family-friendly day of activities during Thunder Over Louisville. The Ali Center is a premiere spot in Downtown Louisville to observe the air show, drone show and biggest fireworks show in the nation.

Doors will open at 12 noon on Saturday, April 12 to ticketed guests only, and will remain open until the conclusion of the fireworks show. Attendees will have access to all exhibits, clean indoor bathrooms, food and drink for sale and activations throughout the Center.

“This new event is part of our renewed commitment to be a Center for the City of Louisville,” said Ali Center President and CEO DeVone Holt. “I’m excited to open our doors to the larger community on what is one of Louisville’s biggest celebrations.”

The Ali Center’s 96,000 square feet of exhibit space offers multiple viewing areas for fireworks, including the Brown-Forman pavilion, the fifth floor panoramic windows and plaza. It’s previously been used as private rental space for companies, with the museum offering standard admission and closing early.

2025’s event will offer guests a first-of-its-kind experience, to watch the show alongside the life and legacy of the Greatest of All Time.

Tickets are $65 for adults and $50 for children, and can be purchased at alicenter.org/thunder

Corporate partners interested in a premier experience for larger groups can reach out to sales@alicenter.org for more information.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

502.992.5338 or 812.786.1072 mobile

Ali Center Releases Groundbreaking Study on Compassion in America

Ali Center Releases Groundbreaking Study on Compassion in America

Photo of the Muhammad Ali Center with Muhammad Ali Index and Muhammad Ali Center logos superimposed on top
01.15.25
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Muhammad Ali Center Releases Groundbreaking Study on Compassion in America

4,000% Surge in Compassion-Related Online Searches as More Americans Report a Decline in Compassion Amid Growing Polarization

NEW YORK (January 15, 2025) — The Muhammad Ali Center has debuted the Muhammad Ali Index’s “The 2025 Compassion Report” – a revolutionary, data-driven study on the state of compassion in America – and invites all Americans to sign the Ali Compassion Pledge.To honor and celebrate what would have been Muhammad Ali’s 83rd birthday on Jan. 17, this first-of-its-kind national study reveals the key cultural and behavioral trends that shape compassion in America, including spirituality, self-care, education, health care, sports, and politics—the six “Compassion Sweet Spots.” Through the development of a new metric called the “Net Compassion Score” (NCS) and a comprehensive survey across diverse cities nationwide, the Muhammad Ali Index fosters greater understanding and empowers city officials and the public to champion more inclusive, compassionate communities. The 12 cities featured in the inaugural survey are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York City, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Seattle.

“Throughout his life, my husband Muhammad believed and demonstrated that compassion is the strongest force we have in the fight for justice,” said Lonnie Ali, Chair of the Muhammad Ali Index and Co-Founder of the Muhammad Ali Center. “The Muhammad Ali Index is a continuation of his life’s work of building a more just and compassionate world – one where everyone has the opportunity to reach their own greatness.”

“The 2025 Compassion Report” reveals troubling trends, including growing polarization, with 61% of Americans saying they feel a decline in compassion in the last four years and 70% expressing a desire for reduced aggressive political rhetoric. Respondents also claim a decrease in empathy toward marginalized groups: Only 1 in 3 Americans feel compassion for all groups of people, with the lowest compassion levels for people who have been convicted of crimes, migrants who are here illegally, and people in higher socio-economic classes. Despite expressing greater awareness of systemic challenges, women report lower self-compassion than men.

“This is a landmark study of national and global significance. The Muhammad Ali Index provides critical data to help communities foster compassion,” said Farah Pandith, Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate and pioneer and leader in countering violent extremism. “With the right local solutions, we can address the rise in polarization and hate—an opportunity we must seize now.

Remarkably, compassion-related online searches have skyrocketed by 4,000% over the past five years, signaling a growing national interest for empathy and understanding. Additionally, cities that have a higher NCS perform better in fostering mental health, housing and community programs; active civic participation structures with strong communication systems; and leadership that prioritizes inclusive community development. “The 2025 Compassion Report” reveals that compassionate cities tend to have more engaged and proud residents, suggesting that compassion is a critical driver for community well-being and societal progress.

“‘The 2025 Compassion Report’ holds up a mirror to society, challenging us to reflect on who we are and how we show up for one another,” said DeVone Holt, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “The findings are urgent and timely, and it is also encouraging — reminding us that while compassion is at risk, it’s also something we can strengthen if we choose to act with awareness.”

Additional key findings from The Muhammad Ali Index’s “The 2025 Compassion Report” include:

  • The research identifies Five Layers of Compassion: compassion for self, individuals, groups, local area, and nation. Each layer is aligned with specific trends, offering valuable insights into the current state and trajectory of compassion in the United States. Notably, the research reveals that self-compassion is the foundation of all compassion: Compassion starts with the individual, where self-care and personal wellness are critical foundations for broader compassionate action.
  • Cities that score highly (the NCS is on a scale of -100 to 100) perform better at fostering community engagement and civic participation, according to their residents. Seattle, Louisville, and Atlanta share three critical success factors: Comprehensive resource integration connecting mental health, housing, and community programs; active civic participation structures with strong communication systems; and leadership that prioritizes inclusive community development.
  • Louisville’s stronger NCS of 15 correlates directly with its residents being 12% more likely to say they have access to community resources, demonstrating the critical relationship between engagement opportunities and compassionate outcomes. In contrast, citizens in lower-scoring cities like Las Vegas (NCS: -13) and Jacksonville (NCS: -1) say they struggle with finding adequate career opportunities, access to resources, and opportunities for community engagement.
  • Sixty-one percent of people who are proud of their city perceive it as compassionate.
  • Companies may be spending money on the wrong solutions: While 60% of American businesses ran etiquette training in 2024, only 11% of people turn to their coworkers when they need compassionate support. When asked who makes the most significant difference in creating compassionate cities, people ranked business leaders (8%) and big companies (6%) at the very bottom of the list. This suggests that typical workplace training programs aren’t doing much to build compassionate teams.
  • We observe a paradox within America’s individualistic culture: Despite heightened self-focus with the personal coaching industry doubling from 2019 to 2024, one-third of U.S. adults surveyed demonstrate below-average self-compassion metrics. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents said they believe they can be compassionate towards others without being compassionate towards themselves.
  • Nearly two out of three people say they prefer to learn about compassion from “everyday people” rather than political leaders, social leaders, or experts.

About The Muhammad Ali Index’s “The 2025 Compassion Report”

The Muhammad Ali Index’s inaugural “The 2025 Compassion Report” is a cornerstone of the Muhammad Ali Center’s vision of a just and compassionate world where all people can reach their greatness.

The Muhammad Ali Center partnered with sparks & honey, a cultural intelligence consultancy to analyze the fundamental drivers, motivations, and barriers to compassion in America through a comprehensive cultural analysis combined with a survey of 5,400 Americans across 12 diverse metropolitan cities.

“The 2025 Compassion Report” aims to develop innovative solutions for measuring, predicting and cultivating compassionate action, enabling leaders to address both immediate and emerging community challenges.

On Jan. 16, the Muhammad Ali Center, together with distinguished partners, will present the inaugural Ali Compassion Summit at the Idealist Headquarters in New York City to discuss key findings from the study, as well as present panel conversations with community leaders and policymakers on ways to adopt “The 2025 Compassion Report” to help inform policies, procedures, and programs nationwide.

The Muhammad Ali Center invites all Americans to take a stand for empathy and unity by signing the Ali Compassion Pledge, a personal commitment, grounded in the findings of the Muhammad Ali Index, to practice compassion daily and help build more understanding, inclusive communities nationwide. Sign the Ali Compassion Pledge here.

 

###

 

For Press Inquiries:

MuhammadAliIndex@ledecompany.com

 

About The Muhammad Ali Center:

The Muhammad Ali Center is a 501(c)(3) that prides itself on being much more than a museum. As an athlete, a humanitarian, a global voice and man guided by faith, Muhammad Ali embodied a pursuit and belief in the greatness found in all people. Founded in 2005 by Lonnie and Muhammad Ali in his hometown of Louisville, the Center is dedicated to honoring Ali and continuing work based on his core principles.

Ali Center hires new VP of Fund Development

Ali Center hires new VP of Fund Development

Photo of woman with dark hair wearing navy blue blazer smiling at camera next to an aerial photo of the Muhammad Ali Center

12.09.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center hires new VP of Fund Development

LOUISVILLE, KY (Dec 9, 2024) – The Muhammad Ali Center recently hired Ashley Parrott as its new Vice President of Fund Development.

Parrott brings more than 15 years of expertise in public policy, fundraising, communications and community engagement to the role at the Muhammad Ali Center.

Previously, she served as a program officer at the James Graham Brown Foundation, which is one of the largest private foundations in Kentucky. In that role, Parrott managed a substantial grantmaking portfolio focused on civic, cultural and human services initiatives as well as community and economic development undertakings in Louisville’s inner city.

At the Muhammad Ali Center, Parrott will manage fundraising strategies that will prepare the nonprofit organization for a new era of mission-related work.

“In 2025, the Muhammad Ali Center will turn 20 years old,” said DeVone Holt, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “Ashley will play an important role in helping to secure the resources necessary to bring to life the big, bold vision we have for the center’s future.”

Before her time at the James Graham Brown Foundation, Parrott was the policy director for former Louisville mayor Greg Fischer, overseeing policy initiatives and nonprofit partnerships for Louisville Metro Government. She played a crucial role in developing fundraising strategies for education, health, economic development, public safety and equity initiatives.

Parrott’s career also includes serving as legislative director for the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and deputy policy advisor to former governor Steve Beshear. She has experience in various state and local government roles across Kentucky, Ohio and Washington, D.C.

Active in her community, Ashley chairs the Board of Directors for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, a former member of the executive committee for the Donor’s Forum of Kentuckiana, a member of the national Association for Black Foundation Executives (ABFE), and was recognized as the 2024 Today’s Woman Magazine’s Most Admired Women in Nonprofit Leadership.

Parrott is a Philanthropy Southeast Hull Fellow, a 2016 Louisville Business First 40 Under 40 award recipient and a 2019 Leadership Louisville Bingham Fellow.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Xavier University (Cincinnati) and a master’s in public policy and administration from the University of Louisville School of Urban and Public Affairs.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

(502) 992 – 5338 or (812) 786 – 1072 mobile

Awardees for 2024 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards announced

Awardees for 2024 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards announced

Exterior of Muhammad Ali Center with a large curving copper element of the architecture illuminuated

07.30.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Awardees for 2024 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards announced

Shaquille O’Neal Named Humanitarian of the Year; Honorees also Include Bryan Stevenson, Nile Rodgers

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 30, 2024) – The 11th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards will take place on Saturday, November 9, and boasts another esteemed panel of honorees. The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, the Center’s largest annual fundraiser, incorporates two categories: Seasoned Awards, honoring individuals who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to humanitarianism, and Six Core Principles Awards, presented to young adults 30 years of age or younger.

The Seasoned Awardees are:

Shaquille O’Neal – Humanitarian of the Year

Shaquille O’Neal is considered to be one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history.  At 7 ft 1 in tall, Shaq’s larger-than-life personality and powerful athleticism have resulted in worldwide adulation and one of the most passionate fan bases in sports and entertainment. O’Neal played for six teams throughout his 19-year NBA career and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Shaq’s individual accolades include the 1999–2000 MVP award, the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award, 15 All-Star game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, two scoring titles, 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year. Off the court, Shaquille’s accolades rival his athletic accomplishments, having found success in acting, music, television and gaming. Currently, Shaq is an analyst on Inside The NBA. Philanthropically, Shaquille has raised millions of dollars for charity. He is a national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, of which his relationship dates back to his youth in New Jersey. He is also a member of the national Board of Directors for Communities in Schools. In 2019, Shaquille established The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation. The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth to help them achieve their full potential. The Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for our children.

Bryan Stevenson – Lifetime Achievement

Bryan Stevenson is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Stevenson has argued and won multiple cases at the United States Supreme Court. He and his staff have won reversals, relief, or release from prison for over 140 wrongly condemned prisoners on death row and won relief for hundreds of others wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced. His work has won him numerous awards including the prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Prize; the National Medal of Liberty from the American Civil Liberties Union and he was named to the Time 100 in 2015. He also received the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize from the King Center in Atlanta in 2018. Stevenson has received over 50 honorary doctoral degrees, including degrees from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Oxford University. He is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller, “Just Mercy,” which was named by Time Magazine as one of the 10 Best Books of Nonfiction for 2014. Mr. Stevenson is also the subject of the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary True Justice. He is a graduate of the Harvard Law School and the Harvard School of Government.

Nile Rodgers – Global Citizenship

Iconic songwriter, producer, musician and philanthropist Nile Rodgers has carved a path and career rooted in pop culture like no one else. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a multiple Grammy Award winner, Rodgers continues to rack up awards and honors to this day – most recently for his work with Beyoncé. He has worked with legends like David Bowie, Madonna and Duran Duran. He’s used his talents, influence and connections to build a bridge between music and philanthropy by participating in numerous historic fundraising efforts, including LIVE AID, We Are The World, “We Are Family” rerecorded after 9/11, and the Concert for Ukraine. Rodgers co-founded the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) after 9/11 to start the healing process. It quickly evolved into an organization dedicated to the vision of a global family by creating and supporting programs that promote cultural diversity while nurturing, mentoring, and amplifying the vision, talents and ideas of young people who are positively changing the world. WAFF is focused on empowering young people globally through its acclaimed youth leadership, storytelling and mentoring program, Three Dot Dash; Youth To The Front Fund, designed to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), youth at the forefront of fighting systemic racism, inequality and injustice; and Youth To The Table, bringing youth voices to decision making tables that are shaping humanity’s future. Most recently, Rodgers received the 2024 World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award for his extraordinary efforts to make the world a more peaceful, equal and inclusive place through his music, his exemplary commitment to fighting systemic racism, inequality and injustice, and by championing innovative youth voices to decision-making tables.

Dawne Gee – Kentucky Humanitarian

As a native of Louisville, Dawne Gee is an Emmy-award winning journalist with a career that spans over three decades in broadcast journalism and radio. She is a tireless advocate for a countless number of nonprofits in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Gee has been recognized with the 2009 Lyman T. Johnson Distinguished Leadership Award and the Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achiever’s Program honored her as the Adult Achiever of the Year in 2019. In 2019 Louisville Forum also recognized Gee for quietly and generously giving to the Louisville community in countless ways. In 2023, Gee received the city of Louisville’s Keeper of the Dream Award for exemplifying the ideals of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision. Gee was also honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Fort Knox, Kentucky for lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service. In 2015 Gee founded the nonprofit “A Recipe to End Hunger & Need to initially focus on ending childhood hunger. Since the pandemic it has shifted its support to meet the needs not only of children but families who find themselves asking for assistance often for the first time.

Joining those Seasoned Awardees will be six young international humanitarians doing work in their countries and communities which embodies one of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.

Deja Foxx (23) of the United States overcame adversity from a young age, having experienced homelessness at the age of 15. In her freshman year at Columbia University, she founded GenZ Girl Gang, whose mission is to redefine sisterhood for a new generation through bridging generational gaps, creating and sharing opportunities, and learning from and teaching each other. Deja is also a warrior for reproductive health and education, having helped win a unanimous victory in favor of comprehensive sex education in their city’s largest school district.

Sophia Kianni (22) of Iran is the founder and executive director of Climate Cardinals, an international youth-led nonprofit working to make the climate movement more accessible to those who don’t speak English. Climate Cardinals aims to educate and empower a diverse coalition of people to tackle the climate crisis.

Shah Chowdhury and Mohammad Yasir (28) of Bangladesh are the co-founders of Footsteps, a next generation organization currently empowering over 600,000 people across Bangladesh with safe water and sanitation access, disaster resilience, and improved public health services, especially for the marginalized communities. Since 2013, Footsteps has acted as a catalyst for hundreds of marginalized communities in helping them overcome their social challenges by building their capacity and potential; empowering communities by integrating the right set of skills and technologies to overcome their social challenges.

Lianna Genovese (24) founded ImaginAble Solutions in 2019, a social impact company that creates assistive technology to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Her mission is to improve accessibility by creating innovative technologies and accessible design to break down barriers and make communication, recreation, and rehabilitation accessible to all. This led to her invention called “Guided Hands,” an assistive device that enables people with limited fine motor skills to write, paint, draw and access technology. A portion of each sale helps provide the products to families in need.

Richa Gupta (28) is an educator and social entrepreneur from India. She is the CEO & co- founder of Labhya Foundation, a visionary nonprofit that has pioneered the well-being movement in India. They are dedicated to institutionalizing programs that improve the quality of education and well-being for children. Labhya currently impacts 2.4 million vulnerable children enabling them to tackle poverty and become effective learners.

Charlot Magayi (30) is the founder and CEO of Mukuru Clean Stoves, a product to help mothers keep their children safe, save on fuel consumption, and reduce household air pollution. When her two-year-old daughter suffered a severe burn injury caused by a traditional stove, Charlot was moved to provide safer cooking technologies for her community. Mukuru Clean Stoves repurposes locally sourced waste metal to manufacture improved, efficient and reliable cookstoves. Charlot believes in a toxin- and smoke-free world and has dedicated her time, skills, and experience to fighting household air pollution.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event or reserving a table for 8, please email Erin Herbert (eherbert@alicenter.org). Individual tickets will go on sale in September.

To involve the larger Louisville community and introduce them to the 2024 honorees, the Ali Center will hold a public event on November 8. More information on that event to follow.

Notes to Media:

Credential requests are now open!

Please submit your information here: https://alicenter.org/awards/media-credential-form/ by Monday, October 30.

Photos of Awardees here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0zkbetqei289p0u8e7sbx/ALILSYZxmlVsW4mIlizeDC4?rlkey=85fi0wpkq95fdqrphss0gn48e&st=h5u41kyl&dl=0

Photo Credit for Shaquille O’Neal

James Macari for Authentic Brand Group

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards are made possible through the generous support of all the corporate and individual donors who support this event.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

502.992.5338 or 812.786.1072 mobile

Ali Center to host free Community Welcome Reception for New CEO

Ali Center to host free Community Welcome Reception for New CEO

Picture of DeVone Holt and Ali Center with text "Community Welcome Reception"

07.25.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Muhammad Ali Center to host free Community Welcome Reception for New CEO

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 25, 2024) –Join the Muhammad Ali Center as we welcome and celebrate our new hometown President and CEO, DeVone Holt. Light refreshments will be provided.

The event is free and open to the community, but tickets are required. Reserve online at alicenter.org/welcome.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DeVone Holt, new President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center brings with him 30 years of exceptional experience in the areas of public relations, brand management, government affairs, strategic communications, and fundraising. He previously served as Chief External Affairs Officer at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, National Director of Customer Engagement for ResCare Workforce, and Special Assistant to the Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools. These positions equipped Holt with a toolbox of communications, passion, and innovative solutions to lead the Muhammad Ali Center into its next chapter. DeVone Holt is the first native Louisvillian to serve as President and CEO.
About the Muhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, was co-founded by Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The international cultural center promotes the Six Core Principles of Muhammad Ali (Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality) in ways that inspire personal and global greatness and provides programming and events around the focus areas of education, racial and gender equity, and global citizenship. The Ali Center is formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications, and is a stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. The Center’s headquarters also contains an award-winning museum experience. For more information, please visit www.alicenter.org.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

(502) 992 – 5338 or (812) 786 – 1072 mobile

Ali Center names
DeVone Holt new President and CEO

Ali Center names
DeVone Holt new President and CEO

Photo of DeVone Holt and picture of Ali Center side-by-side

07.09.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center names DeVone Holt new President and CEO

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 9, 2024) – The Muhammad Ali Center board of directors recently named DeVone Holt as its new President and CEO.

Holt brings a unique set of experiences and expertise to the Muhammad Ali Center that includes his most recent position as Chief External Affairs Officer at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. During his five years at Goodwill, Holt championed the development of a $120 million Opportunity Campus in one of Louisville’s most under-resourced communities. The 20-acre campus includes a $50 million 125,000 square-foot resource center and the first hospital to be opened in Louisville’s inner-city in more than 150 years.

“DeVone emerged as someone with the passion and expertise to guide the Center into its next chapter,” said Ali Center Co-Founder and Lifetime Member Lonnie Ali. “I’m confident he’ll put his talents and dedication toward our success and longevity.”

As a Louisville native and Eastern Kentucky graduate, Holt brings nearly 30 years of experience in public relations, brand management, government affairs, strategic communications and fundraising to the Muhammad Ali Center.

At Goodwill, he was responsible for the nonprofit organization’s marketing, communications, public relations, fundraising and government affairs. He also served as Superintendent of Kentucky’s very first high school for adults, which Goodwill opened in 2022 after a successful multi-year legislative lobbying and fundraising campaign led by Holt.

Previously, he served as the National Director of Customer Engagement for ResCare Workforce Services and Special Assistant to the Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools. In those roles, he functioned as the lead external affairs officer for both organizations and introduced a collection of innovative solutions to help maintain their respective status as the nation’s largest workforce services provider and America’s 28th largest school district.

“I grew up in the same community where Muhammad Ali was raised and have a high regard for the six guiding principles that he used to establish his center,” said Holt. “Being entrusted to manage the legacy of my personal hero while simultaneously helping other people pursue greatness is one of the highest honors I could receive. This is my dream job.”

Holt was hired by the Muhammad Ali Center board of directors after a rigorous vetting process and a recommendation from the center’s selection committee. He is the first Louisvillian to be named President and CEO of the Ali Center.

“Just as Muhammad said, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,’ DeVone understands the Ali Center’s role in service to the Louisville community, to the world and to furthering Muhammad’s legacy as a champion of peace and justice for all people ”said Nicole Yates, Molina Healthcare AVP and leader of the Muhammad Ali Center selection committee. “I was proud to serve as chair of the transition team that recommended this outstanding leader whose vision, passion and dedication will lead the Ali Center forward and upward.”

As the former West Louisville Economic Development Director for Louisville’s chamber of commerce, Holt’s previous work helped create approximately $400 million in new business investments and more than 1,000 new jobs for the city’s inner-city community. He also served as lead host of the former Saturday Morning Solutions radio show for 10 years and authored the book, Hip Hop Slop: The Impact of Dysfunctional Culture.

The Muhammad Ali Center’s mission is to mobilize Muhammad Ali’s legacy to foster respect, inspire generations of changemakers, and advance social justice. The center’s vision is to help establish a just and compassionate world where all people can reach their greatness. It is led by a board of directors co-chaired by Ingrid Gentry and Roula Allouch.

“We’re looking forward to getting DeVone’s tenure underway and working closely together,” Gentry said. “The Board is excited about this addition and where the center is headed.”

Media interviews with Holt can be coordinated with Annie Moore, Senior Marketing Manager at the Muhammad Ali Center.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

(502) 992 – 5338 or (812) 786 – 1072 mobile

Ali Center welcomes Dr. Yusef Salaam as Unapologetic series guest

Ali Center welcomes Dr. Yusef Salaam as Unapologetic series guest

Text "Bold. Inspiring. Fearless. Unapologetic" with picture of Dr. Yusef Salaam

04.18.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Muhammad Ali Center welcomes Dr. Yusef Salaam as guest for new Unapologetic speaker series

Member of the Central Park Five shares powerful story of racial injustice and his journey to political office

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 18, 2024) – The Muhammad Ali Center will welcome Dr. Yusef Salaam as the first speaker of its Unapologetic Series, a program dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of individuals, like Muhammad Ali, who are unapologetically changing the world for the better. The event will take place on Friday, May 10 from 7-8 p.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center (144 N. Sixth Street). Tickets are available here. General admission seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Salaam was a member of the Central Park Five (later renamed the Exonerated Five) who were tried and convicted in the 1989 “Central Park jogger” case, but their convictions were later overturned in 2002. Salaam was 15 years old at the time of his arrest. The Exonerated Five spent between seven and 13 years in prison for crimes they did not commit.

Since then, they were awarded a multi-million-dollar settlement from the city of New York for its injustice in handling the case. They have been profiled in award-winning films, including The Central Park Five documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon and most recently the Emmy award-winning Netflix limited series When They See Us, written and directed by Ava DuVernay.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Salaam started a family, and has become a poet, activist and inspirational speaker. He continues to utilize his platform to share his story with others and educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality rooted in our justice system. He regularly advocates for criminal justice reform, prison reform and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment.

Salaam was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2014 and is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. He has shared his story and stance on current issues on CNN, MSNBC, REVOLT TV, NPR Atlanta, FOX and more. He authored his memoir Better, Not Bitter and is the co-author of Punching the Air.

In 2023, Yusef was elected as a member of the New York City Council, representing District 9.

This discussion will be moderated by Dr. Nat Irvin, the Assistant Dean for Thought Leadership and Civic Engagement, Dean’s Office at the University of Louisville.

The Unapologetic Series celebrates those who fearlessly challenge the status quo, push the boundaries of convention, and inspire change through their unyielding dedication to social justice, equality, and positive transformation. This program is an opportunity to engage with individuals who are not just making a difference but are transforming their communities and the world, one unapologetic act at a time.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

(502) 992 – 5338 or (812) 786 – 1072 mobile

ABOUT THE MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER

The Muhammad Ali Center is much more than a museum. As an athlete, a humanitarian, a global voice and man guided by faith, Muhammad Ali embodied a pursuit and belief in the greatness found in all people. Founded in 2005 by Lonnie and Muhammad Ali in his hometown of Louisville, the Center is dedicated to honoring Ali and continuing work based on his core principles.

Shop the Museum

Muhammad Ali Center