Boxing legend and activist Muhammad Ali is honoured with an event and archive display at the Black Cultural Archives, following his death earlier this month.
Brixton remembered Muhammad Ali in style with an event at the Black Cultural Archives. The audience heard from activist Lee Jasper, local Green Party candidate Rachid Nix and many others commemorating the much-loved US boxer and sports personality.
In memory of Ali, the BCA is also displaying artefacts from their collection at the heritage centre in Brixton. These include an original Christies’ auction book that documents sporting memorabilia, and a book showing the iconic robe worn by Ali during the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in Zaire. The book is signed by the Michael Fish who designed the robe with Christopher Lynch here in Britain.
There are also press clippings that document the astrological prediction that Ali would win the fight sown into the gown. The prediction was given by famous American astrologer Frederick Daveney and only revealed once the gown went to auction in 1997.
Alongside this is an annual report from the Muhammad Ali Sports Development Association, also known as M.A.S.D.A. This was set up in Brixton in the late 1970s. The sporting association worked with local young people to encourage sports as a positive avenue. Youth Clubs including Marcus Lipton and Accra which are still running today.
There are also a range of items documenting his impact on Black communities in Britain. A commemorative book for visitors to leave their tributes is also available between 10am-6pm, Tues-Sat at Black Cultural Archives, Brixton, SW2 1EF.
