On Friday, March 6, 1964, Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali

© Bob Gomel

“Black MuslimLeader Malcolm X Photographing Cassius Clay Surrounded by Fans After He BeatSonny Liston for the Heavy Weight Championship, Miami, February, 1964”

 

Day later, bolstered by his mentor Malcom X, Clay stepped in front of a room of journalists to declare his conversion to the Nation of Islam. After fielding hostile questions, he voiced the words that would become his lifelong anthem and would forever change the world of sports: “I don’t have to be what you want me to be.”

Recently, Bob recalled: It was February 26, 1964 in a Miami restaurant after Clay won the heavyweight championship from Sonny Liston. Howard Bingham, Ali's personal photographer is seen at the far right above Ali.  Clay's brother Rahaman is seated to Cassius's left (only a fist is visible in the famous frame.) The name and exact location of the restaurant are paled into insignificance.”

Related: Ali vs. Liston in Miami Beach: The Night ‘the Greatest’ Was Born

              YouTube: March 6, 1964: Cassius Clay becomes Muhammad Ali

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska

Gordon Parks: Malcolm X Addressing Black Muslim Rally in Chicago, 1963

"May 19th is the date one of the most influential and greatest African Americans in history was born, El Haaj Malik El-Shabazz, known to us as Malcolm X.

Today marks what would be the civil rights activist's 86th birthday. He was many things to many people, but he was nothing short of legendary. He is credited with pushing for democracy in modern Black America, spreading Islam in black communities and boosting the morale of African Americans.

He once said he wanted 'to bring about the complete independence of people of African descent here in the western hemisphere...and bring about the freedom of these people by any means necessary.'"

-- The Oficial Malcolm X Website

Bob Gomel: Black Muslim leader Malcolm X photographing Cassius Clay, Miami, 1964