From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali walks through the streets of NYC with members of the Black Panther Party, Sept 1970

(

David Fenton/Getty Images

)

Larry G. Earl, Jr. - the founder and principal of 1619 Exhibits, holding one of the magazines that are featured in his new exhibition, "From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali."

()

Cassius Clay lowers the boom, in one of his fights leading to the imfamous championship bout with Sonny Liston

(

Art Shay

)

In sports movies and documentaries, there are instances where the subject of the film transcends the sport itself. Where the protagonist becomes greater than the game or event that they participate in.

In sports movies and documentaries, there are instances where the subject of the film transcends the sport itself. Where the protagonist becomes greater than the game or event in which they participate.

Muhammad Ali is one of those figures. His struggles inside and outside of the ring have become galvanized in American history. The new film, "The Trial of Muhammad Ali," explores his life shortly after he converted to Islam, changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, and refused to serve in the Vietnam War.

LINK

The film will be shown in our very own Crawford Family Forum, and part of the event will include an original art exhibit called "From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali," curated by Ali expert Larry Earl.

Host A Martinez got an early peek at the exhibition and talked to Larry about Ali's life during this time period.