When a prizefighter trash-talks his opponent in advance of a bout, he's flexing his machismo. But to trash-talk an entire culture of institutionalized oppression requires true courage.
Muhammad Ali could have used his boxing skills and glib wit to craft a career as a 1960's media darling. Instead, standing at a crossroads of history, Ali chose to speak up and confront injustice, proclaiming, "I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me."
There is not doubt that American society still needs to make progress in the area of race relations. But Ali grew to manhood in a country where he wasn't allowed to use most public water fountains or restrooms. He reigned as heavyweight champion yet still wasn't allowed to stay in most of the hotels across the South.
