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.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

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

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

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.

04.02.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center to open new, permanent exhibit documenting Muhammad Ali’s passing

The new exhibit documents the impact in Louisville and around the world, in the moments and days that followed the Champ’s passing

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 2, 2024) – The Muhammad Ali Center is proud to unveil a new, permanent exhibit documenting the passing of Muhammad Ali on June 3, 2016. The new exhibit, titled The Greatest Remembered, will open to the public as part of our Community Free Day on Saturday, April 6. 

The product of a long creative process with the Center’s curation team and Board and Community stakeholders, The Greatest Remembered incorporates artifacts from the week of Ali’s passing, photography from around the community, a three-dimensional display, and a video documenting the community’s reaction, and Ali’s Janazah and memorial service.

“Telling the story of Muhammad’s impact here in Louisville and around the world was a big responsibility and undertaking we took very seriously,” said Senior Manager of Curation and Collections, Bess Goldy. “My hope is that visitors who weren’t in Louisville during that time can feel the impact he had, and the spirit of this place in that time. It’s bittersweet to tell this story, but it’s important to document his homegoing as part of the overall story of his legacy.”

Support for The Greatest Remembered came from Unified Sign and Design, who helped apply some of the graphic elements, as well as the Courier Journal, Steven Katzman, Paul Davies and Al Satterwhite – all who generously donated images to be displayed.

The Greatest Remembered also includes clips from the film City of Ali – appearing courtesy of Graham Shelby and the Louisville Mayor’s Office. 

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

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

03.14.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center to partner with Made by Dyslexia for event to Empower Dyslexic Thinking across Kentucky

Inspired by Muhammad Ali’s Dyslexic thinking, the global organization brings awareness and empowerment to all

LOUISVILLE, KY (March 14, 2024) –Global charity, Made By Dyslexia, and the Muhammad Ali Center, invite you to Empowering Dyslexic Thinking in Kentucky, which will ignite powerful change in the state that was home to the Greatest Dyslexic Thinker Of All Time, Muhammad Ali.

The Ali Center and Made by Dyslexia understand that Dyslexic Thinking is valuable and vital. As AI is adopted across workplaces, research is telling us that the future will depend on Dyslexic Thinking skills, including connecting, communicating, and change-making – which Muhammad used to change the world.

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” – Muhammad Ali

On March 21, at the Ali Center, passionate policy makers, powerful changemakers, global brands and world-leading educators will come together to empower Dyslexic Thinking through the power of collective action. As Kentucky aims to become the first state in the United States of America to empower Dyslexic Thinking in every home, every workplace, and every school.

The event is supported by the Governor of Kentucky, the Mayor of Louisville, and has the full support of Greater Louisville Inc. They are inviting their network of businesses state-wide, with representatives from the world’s biggest recruiter, Randstad Enterprise, plus Yum! Brands, Humana, and Brown-Forman. The event will be attended by Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Lonnie Ali, Made by Dyslexia CEO Kate Griggs, Louisville Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton-Smith, and many more changemakers.

This is the first in a global series of Empowering Dyslexic Thinking events to work with partners across the world and create collective action. The event will give media the opportunity to hear from:

• Marilyn Jackson – Ali Center, President & CEO
• Lonnie Ali – wife of Muhammad Ali, co-founder of Ali Center
• Kate Griggs – CEO and Founder of Made By Dyslexia
• Barbara Sexton-Smith – Deputy Mayor of Louisville
• Jacqueline Coleman – Lt. Governor of Kentucky
• Learn Dyslexia – Education Panel
• Josh Clark – Chair of International Dyslexia Association – Moderator
• Micki Ray – Kentucky Department of Education
• Tina Bojanowski – Kentucky State Representative
• Dr. Kayla Steltenkamp – Assistant Professor, Thomas More University, Kentucky
• Matt Higgs – Vice President Global Solutions, Randstad Sourceright
• Sarah Davasher-Wisdom – President & CEO at Greater Louisville Inc.
• Jennifer Medley – Global ERG Manager for Brown Forman

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 a multicultural center with an award-winning museum dedicated to justice for all, following in the footsteps of Muhammad Ali. Their mission is to mobilize Muhammad Ali’s legacy to foster respect, inspire generations of changemakers, and advance social justice.

In its 17-year history, the Center has created programs that exemplify the principles of Muhammad Ali and the mission of the Center. Over the past decade, the Center has developed impactful programming serving children and adults, reaching people of all cultures, nationalities, ages, and geographic areas. Inspiration is Ali’s gift, and his six core principles mark his true legacy—a legacy that has the power to live on, beyond the man, and beyond the walls of the Center.

About Made By Dyslexia

Made By Dyslexia is a global charity led by successful dyslexics. We are the world’s largest community of dyslexic people and their allies. Our mission is to teach the world to understand the brilliance and value of Dyslexic Thinking, and to empower it in every home, every workplace, and every school. We’re aligned with the UN Sustainable Goals, so we aim to achieve this by 2030.

Made By Dyslexia’s bold campaigns, game-changing partnerships, and impactful resources are redefining dyslexia, informing, teaching, and inspiring a global movement for change. In 2022, our work with Virgin saw Dyslexic Thinking added as a skill on LinkedIn. And our DyslexAI campaign in 2023 showed that Dyslexic Thinking is the perfect and vital co-pilot to AI in this new world of work.

The charity’s free training, made in partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn and featuring world leading experts, is empowering Dyslexic Thinking in homes, schools, and workplaces across the globe.

Now’s the time to use our collective power to create Collective Action. To share this knowledge around the world and drive change. Our Dyslexic Thinking Gathering will showcase and ignite Collective Action.

03.05.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center to open new temporary photography exhibit, Shining A Light: Women in Sports

Opening on International Women’s Day, exhibit aligned with UN Sustainability Goals around Gender Equity

LOUISVILLE, KY (March 5, 2024) – The Muhammad Ali Center is set to unveil the latest edition of its annual Shining A Light exhibition series. This year’s focus is Women in Sports and the social and economic benefits of equal access to sports for women and girls around the world. It opens on International Women’s Day, March 8.

The Shining A Light International Photography Contest highlights a different gender disparity topic each year, with previous iterations focusing on women impacted by carceral systems, and access to clean water around the world.

Women in Sports was curated from hundreds of photos submitted by photographers from 54 countries. The final exhibition features 40 images, chosen by a judging panel, who also awarded cash prizes for first, second, and third places overall.

These featured images tell powerful stories of women and girls interacting with sport, both in their local community and on the highest level. Additional themes explored are paralympians and inclusive sports, as well as socioeconomic impact on sport.

The exhibit was curated by Amelia McGrath, Ali Center Collections Manager and Archivist. Additional visual materials by Unified Sign and Design were created to accompany the exhibit.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY, Feb. 22, 2024 – The Muhammad Ali Center, a cultural cornerstone for Louisville and the nation, officially began its search for a new CEO Thursday, as outgoing president and CEO Marilyn Jackson advances to join the American Alliance of Museums as their next president and CEO.

“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as the president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. Ali, a global icon, dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, inspiring positive change worldwide. It has been an immense honor to be a part of this legacy,” Jackson said. “Louisville is fortunate to have the Center, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who supported us since the Center’s founding in 2005. I have full confidence and trust this great institution will continue the progress we’ve made together.”

Over her two years at the Center, Jackson focused on creating and implementing a strategic plan, with influence from community leaders. This roadmap for the Center’s success supported the creation of new educational programs, expanded partnerships at the local and global levels, and attracted new corporate partners and philanthropists who have provided resources to improve the physical space. Now, more than 100,000 visitors connect with the mission of the Center each year, advancing the legacy of Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali.

“Marilyn was instrumental in creating a new path forward for the center, reenergizing our initial mission: to promote positive social change through education, community, and Muhammad’s legacy,” Lonnie Ali said. “As we begin our search for a new CEO, I am confident our transition team will find the best leaders our communities have to offer.”

The Center’s transition team is chaired by Nicole Yates with members including Lonnie Ali, Greg Fischer, Ingrid Gentry, Bennie Ivory, and Stephen Reily. This team will identify potential applicants over the coming weeks. Those who are interested in the position can learn more and apply here.

“Marilyn Jackson brought a wide range of skills to the Ali Center, and her success in Louisville was noticed by the nation. She is now assuming one of the most important museum jobs in the country, supporting the 35,000 museums and museum professionals who are members of the American Alliance of Museums,” said Stephen Reily, a former member of the Ali Center Board of Trustees, former director of the Speed Art Museum, and founding director of the Remuseum Project.

Jackson will soon begin her role as president and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums, after an extensive nationwide search. “It’s been an honor to chair the search committee for AAM’s next leader,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago. “In Marilyn, we found a visionary and transformative leader that will help drive AAM to new and different heights; that much has been proven by her lasting impact at the Muhammad Ali Center.”

Jackson will remain in her current position at the Center for several weeks, supporting the transition team in their search for the next leader for one of Louisville’s greatest cultural institutions.

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The Muhammad Ali Center is a 501(c)3 corporation, cofounded 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 in 2020, became one of the newest stops 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.

02.14.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center announces 2024 Daughters of Greatness honorees

Four local women to be honored through annual breakfast series

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 14, 2024) – The Muhammad Ali Center is proud to share a slate of local honorees that exemplify the principles of Muhammad Ali, the Greatest of All Time.

The first honoree of the season will be Laura Douglas on February 16. Douglas is a highly respected leader in the corporate, legal, education, and social justice communities. In addition to her ten years of service on the Muhammad Ali Center’s Board of Directors, she led the organization for three years as its Chairperson, as well as becoming the Center’s Interim President and CEO from 2021 to 2022. She is currently an Emeritus Member on the Center’s Executive Committee.

On April 12, the Center will honor Yvette Gentry. Gentry has been serving as the Director of Resident and Community Safety for LDG Development since July 2022. LDG is a leading developer who builds quality affordable housing across the country. This role has given her the opportunity to use her skills, experience, and education to work on a mission that is close to her heart.

She spent the previous four years working in the nonprofit space as Executive Director of the Rajon Rondo Foundation and Director of Justice and Opportunity for Metro United Way Louisville. Gentry made history in 2020 as the first woman to lead the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) when she took on the role as interim Police Chief.

As part of Ali Festival 2024, the Center is proud to honor Whitney Austin on June 7. Impassioned after surviving the Sept. 6, 2018, mass shooting in Cincinnati, Ohio, Whitney cofounded Whitney/Strong with her husband, an organization focused on finding common ground to end gun violence through data-driven, responsible gun ownership solutions.

Under her leadership, Whitney/Strong has executed several responsible gun ownership solutions including securing the first two hearings on gun safety legislation in Frankfort in over a decade. Joining Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to announce the STRONG Ohio legislation, a response to the community call of “Do Something” after the Dayton Oregon District shooting in 2019.

And on September 13, the Center will honor Marissa Castellanos. Castellanos is Founder and Director of The Coterie, providing training, technical assistance, resource development, and project formation and implementation related to anti-human trafficking and intersecting issues. Castellanos is a member of the Technical Working Group for the National Standards of Care for Anti-Trafficking Service Providers, a project implemented by Freedom Network USA and supported by the DOJ Office for Victims of Crime and the ACF Office on Trafficking in Persons.

As Director of Grants at Love146, an international human rights organization that addresses child trafficking and exploitation through prevention and survivor care programming, Castellanos provides leadership and support for grant management. Prior to Love146, Marissa worked at Catholic Charities of Louisville where she began in 2008 developing what is now known as the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative, a statewide program addressing human trafficking through services, prevention, training, and awareness.

Each program will begin at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast and remarks before a keynote from the honoree at 9 a.m. Sponsorship and ticket information is available by contacting Theresa Burridge at tburridge@alicenter.org.

For more information on Daughters of Greatness or any of the Muhammad Ali Center’s programming, visit alicenter.org/our-work.

Contact:

Annie Moore

Muhammad Ali Center

amoore@alicenter.org

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

01.09.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky hosting free teacher professional development workshop

BEREA, KY (January 10, 2024) — The Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky (ATBHK) will host a free teacher professional development workshop on Monday, featuring keynote speaker Karyn Parsons. Parsons is an actress, children’s book author and founder of Sweet Blackberry.

The free workshop will be Monday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.

The ATBHK has created professional development programs in response to the needs communicated by educators across Kentucky. This transformative workshop is crafted to honor the enduring legacy of the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and will be structured around informative breakout sessions taught by ATBHK fellows. Each session is curated to help empower educators to bring Black history into their classrooms.

“Since its inception, ATBHK has worked diligently to provide opportunities for Kentucky teachers to hear from experts in Kentucky’s Black history across the spectrum of K-12 education and beyond,” said Chaka Cummings, ATBHK executive director. “This year’s Martin Luther King Day program will focus on frameworks, lessons and resources educators can immediately use in their spaces. Educators will leave with tools to support effective teaching of Kentucky’s Black history and will have the opportunity to meet with other educators to build professional networks in the name of effective Black history teaching.

“It is critical that educators feel supported and prepared when discussing Black history, and the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky has created this program with these two specific goals in mind,” Cummings added.

The Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky is a collaborative effort with current founding member organizations Berea College, Kentucky State University, The Muhammad Ali Center and Kentucky History Resources, LLC (a subsidiary of the nonprofit Thomas D. Clark Foundation which supports the University Press of Kentucky. The Association was organized in 2022 to recover the social, historical and cultural contributions of Black Kentuckians and to make these materials readily available to teachers in the Commonwealth, thereby promoting quality K-12 instruction in history. The goal is to ensure an inclusive, respectful experience for all students that provides for their academic success.

For more information about the ATBHK, click here.

Registration for the workshop is required. For more information, including registration and a schedule of events, visit https://19291.blackbaudhosting.com/19291/MLK-Day-Professional-Development.

01.08.24

MEDIA ADVISORY

Ali Center offers free admission as part of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 8, 2024) — The Muhammad Ali Center is proud to announce a full slate of programming in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Admission to the Center will be free for everyone on Monday, January 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes access to all exhibits.

Starting at 10 a.m., there will be a screening of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the top of each hour. The 12 p.m. screening will be followed by a Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students panel “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy.” The panel is designed to encourage discussion on Dr. King’s message of equality, justice and peace, as well as realizing his dream in today’s culture.

The Muhammad Ali Center offers free admission to all as part of our Community Free Day series, sponsored by Passport by Molina Healthcare. The Center strives to decrease barriers of access to local residents and expand knowledge of Muhammad Ali in hopes to forward his legacy for future generations.

In addition, the Center is collaborating with the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky to offer a free professional development for teachers on Monday, January 15. This free, full-day workshop features informative breakout sessions to help empower educators in bringing Black history into their classrooms.

The workshop features a keynote address by Karyn Parsons; actor (best known for her work on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), author, and founder of the Sweet Blackberry production company.

Additional promotions will also be offered to visitors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in preparation for Muhammad Ali’s birthday on Wednesday, January 17.

More information on this and other upcoming events at the Muhammad Ali Center can be found at https://alicenter.org/events/.