Statement of County Executive Baker: Passing of Muhammad Ali

Press Release

 

For immediate release: 

June 4, 2016

 

For more information, contact:

Scott L. Peterson

Deputy Manager of Communications/Press Secretary

Cell: 240-619-9400

 

Statement of Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III:

Passing of Muhammad Ali

 

Upper Marlboro, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III released this statement in following news of the passing of Muhammad Ali:  

 

“The world mourns the loss of a great man whose accomplishments and impact on our lives transcended sports.  

We were introduced to Muhammad Ali when he came on the scene as a boisterous young boxer who captured our hearts with his confidence and skill. We marveled at his graceful style in the ring and his powerful presence outside of it.

Muhammad Ali was a man of conviction and he showed so many the importance of standing up for what you believe in without wavering.   His historic public stance against the military draft and the Vietnam War elevated him from athlete to activist.  His boxing comeback inspired us to never give up and to persevere.   And his battle with Parkinson's taught us that his inner strength was far more powerful than his dominance in the boxing ring.

The life of Muhammad Ali will forever be a part of the history of this nation and the world. Ali's greatest victory wasn't against Foreman, Frazier, or Liston, it was over racial and religious intolerance. Those of us who witnessed his achievements were blessed.  We experienced  "The Greatest,” and we will cherish his memory forever." 

 

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