1964day.year
Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad officially gives boxing champion Cassius Clay the name Muhammad Ali.
Cassius Clay formally adopts the name Muhammad Ali after joining the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad.
On March 6, 1964, boxing champion Cassius Clay announced that he would henceforth be known as Muhammad Ali. The name change followed his controversial conversion to Islam and alignment with the Nation of Islam under leader Elijah Muhammad. Ali’s decision challenged racial norms and made him a prominent figure in the civil rights and black empowerment movements. His public embrace of his new identity also garnered significant media attention and criticism. The name Muhammad Ali would become synonymous with his legendary boxing career and outspoken social activism.
1964
Nation of Islam
Elijah Muhammad
boxing
Cassius Clay
Muhammad Ali