The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards
Celebrating Greatness and honoring those who carry on Muhammad Ali's work towards a more just and compassionate world.
Celebrating Greatness
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.
2024 Awardees
Learn more about the honorees of this year's Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.
This year's ceremony takes place on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Shaquille O'Neal
O'Neal will receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award, raising millions for charity and launching the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation.
Bryan Stevenson
Stevenson will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Equal Justice Initiative in eliminating unjust sentencing.
Nile Rodgers
Rodgers will receive the Global Citizenship Award for his efforts making the world more inclusive and fighting systemic racism.
Dawne Gee
Gee will receive the Kentucky Humanitarian Award for her generous support of the Louisville community and her nonprofit "A Recipe to End Hunger."
Deja Foxx - Confidence
Foxx founded GenZ Girl Gang, whose mission is to redefine sisterhood for a new generation through bridging generational gaps.
Charlot Magayi - Conviction
Magayi founded Mukuru Clean Stoves, a product to help mothers keep their children safe and reduce household air pollution.
Shah Chowdhury and Mohammad Yasir - Dedication
The co-founders of Footsteps provide over 600,000 people across Bangladesh with safe water, sanitation access, and improved health services
Sophia Kianni - Giving
Kianni, the founder and executive director of Climate Cardinals, an international youth-led making the climate movement more accessible.
Lianna Genovese - Respect
Genovese founded ImaginAble Solutions, a social impact company creating technology to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Richa Gupta - Spirituality
Gupta co-founded the Labhya Foundation, a visionary nonprofit improving the quality of education and well-being for children.
Want to get involved?
Sponsor tables and individual tickets for the 2024 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards are now available for purchase using the link below. For additional sponsorship options, email us here.
Years of Celebrating Changemakers
This year, the Ali Center celebrates its 11th annual Humanitarian Awards.