HD1080p: WIDE ANGLE DOLLY shot of a shepherd and children watching over herd of goats in the Himba village. Northern Namibia, Namibia. Africa. Also available in 4K resolution.

Desert Nomads. A nomadic tribe sets up camp and travels through the Moroccan Sahara Desert in the 1940's.. 1940's, Morocco, Africa, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, rocky soil, Berbers, Arabs, Berber / Arab camp, tribe, camels, nomads, tribespeople sitting around fire, man leading camels out to graze, camels eating thorny desert plant, goat grazing in tree, man milking camel, boy winding turban around head as he watches over grazing camels, boy drinking bowl of camel milk and eating fresh dates, tribeswomen and children leading donkeys to pool in desert and collecting water, women loading water carried in goatskin bags onto backs of donkeys, children playing in desert, women grinding barley, woman pouring out water into bowl from water skins hung on wooden racks, women making couscous, woman mixing barley with water, women putting water/grain mixture into basket and placing on top of cooking pot, woman using flour paste to seal basket to pot, woman placing cover over basket to steam barley, Muslims bowing in prayer in desert, woman pouring out couscous from basket into bowl, men washing hands in water poured from kettle over bowl, men and boy using hands to eat couscous from large shared bowl, tribal chief eating, tribespeople carefully packing up camp items into bag and case, tribespeople dismantling tents, tribesmen loading supplies onto pack camel, man loading children onto camel, camel caravan / camel train of nomads through desert, nomads reaching new camp, tribespeople setting up tents and unpacking supplies, tribespeople laying down mats on ground under tents, child unpacking cooking utensils from bag, woman baking barley bread, woman placing dough between hot stones, girl removing stones and revealing loaf of bread, man teaching children verses from Quran, tied up camels lying down at night, chief serving tea to men in his tent, men and boy leaving camp in morning to travel to market, men riding camels and taking extra pack camels, camel caravan through desert, caravan arriving at desert oasis, camels drinking water from pool, farmer guiding oxen driven plow, farmers taking turns using limited water supply, farmer using pickaxe to open irrigation ditch into his fields, farmers using provincial water clock to measuring time, date palm trees in oasis, agricultural fields in fertile grounds, man picking date clusters from palm tree, camel caravan traveling from oasis to Guelmim, Goulimine, camel market, camel buyers trading, camel buyer inspecting camel's teeth, camel buyer giving money to tribal chief, camel buyer struggling to lead camel, men loading camel into truck, camels being transported by truck, outdoor market, man and boy smelling and buying imported tea, men shopping for wood, pack camels, man and boy inspecting barley, man using barrel to load barley into sack, Muezzin sounding call to prayer from mosque tower, came train / camel caravan traveling through desert from Guelmim to camp

NAME: SAF PRES 20100104I TAPE: EF10/0010 IN_TIME: 10:07:07:08 DURATION: 00:01:07:03 SOURCES: ETV DATELINE: Nkandla - 4 Jan 2010 RESTRICTIONS: No Access SAfrica SHOTLIST: 1. Wide shot of Nkandla 2. Wide shot of wedding party 3. South African President Jacob Zuma dressed in a traditional Zulu costume of animal skins, walks with friends to wedding 4. Wedding guests walking along path 5. Close up of Zuma 6. Mid shot of dancing at wedding party 7. Wide shot of wedding party 8. Mid shot of the bride, Tobeka Madiba, wearing red hat 9. Zuma performing a traditional Zulu dance 10. Wedding guests sitting on the ground 11. Wedding guests dancing 12. Mid shot of Zuma with guests STORYLINE: South Africa''s president formalised his marriage to his third wife during a traditional ceremony in the village of Nkandla on Monday amid media reports he plans to take a fourth bride later this year. Some 2,000 guests thronged the village in rural KwaZulu-Natal province to watch the ceremony in which 67-year-old President Jacob Zuma and 38-year-old Tobeka Madiba took part. The couple are already married under South African law and have three children. Madiba attended Zuma''s inauguration ceremony in May. He paid a dowry to her family in 2007, following Zulu tradition. Meanwhile, a family member told The Associated Press on Monday that Zuma is also planning to marry again later this year. Other relatives have told South African media that the president plans to wed Durban native Gloria Bongi Ngema. The president''s office has not commented on the reports. Monday''s ceremony included an hour-long traditional Zulu wedding dance. During the ceremony, Madiba performed a solo dance while holding a spear and a shield to symbolise her acceptance of her new husband. Zuma, wearing a skirt made of animal fur pelts and sporting bright white tennis shoes, then joined the dance. The bride wore matching sneakers. Guests dined on traditional Zulu foods, and attendees were told that more than a dozen sheep, goats and cows had been slaughtered for the feast. Zuma, a Zulu traditionalist and an unabashed polygamist, has now married at least five women over the years and has 19 children. He currently has three wives including Madiba: Sizakele Khumalo, whom he married in 1973, and Nompumelelo Ntuli, whom he wed in 2008. He also was married to other women: Kate Mantsho Zuma killed herself in 2000. He divorced the other, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in 1998, although she remains a trusted aide and is now the country''s home affairs minister. When he took office earlier this year, all three wives were at the inauguration ceremony, but only Khumalo, his first wife, accompanied him to the main stage set up outside the presidency building in Pretoria. Since then, none of his wives has had a particularly prominent role, in keeping with the practice of South African first ladies before them. Zuma''s embrace of Zulu tradition - including polygamy - has endeared him to many South Africans. Still, some consider polygamy old-fashioned and expensive, and question how it can endure in a modern country. And experts say having multiple, concurrent partners heightens the risk of AIDS, leaving some to question what model a polygamous president presents. South Africa, a nation of about 50 million, has an estimated 5.7 (m) million people infected with HIV, more than any other country. Zuma is not alone among world leaders when it comes to polygamy. In the Gulf, the number of a ruler''s wives and who among them is paramount are a constant source of rumours.

Various shots of Morrocan soldiers bleeding goat in military camp of Khnag Breber, they then proceed to cut off its head and start skinning animal (6:03). Various shots of Moroccan soldier cooking flat bread in wood stove (2:05). CSs from different angles of muslim soldiers doing evening prayers (2:04).

LIFE IN THE SAHARA

a goat in a farm in uganda

SEQUENCE FROM CLIPS: 160220Masai2.mov 160220MASAI1-160220MASAI 1.mov 11;48;08;02 Shot of greenery and field. 11;48;15;33 Shot of Masai tribe in the field singing. 11;48;35;28 *Amy getting out of car Masai tribe singing in background* That was uh--an interesting journey *laughs* woo wow I've never been on a road quiet like that before but we made it now walk right? Woa. 11;49;07;11 *Amy intervewing Philip on field w/ Masai tribe in background* Amy: Okay Philip so that was--that was quiet a journey to get here. Philip: I'll tell you what the terrain and is just what you saw. *Amy laughs* Amy: Which is which is not really meant for vehicles but we found a way to get here. Philip: Yeah we found a way to get here actually we had to use the cattle trails as you saw and its not very easy to come with the cars but this is what your just about to see which is the Masai wedding. 11;49;26;40 Amy: The Masai wedding Philip: Right yeah what you seeing in front of us currently its the Masai dance and this is just a welcoming dance and we have young men and young women boys and girls dacing cause normally its a big cermony as you can see. Amy: So are they dancing for all the people who are coming to the wedding? 11;49;50;06 Phlip: Oh yes they are dancing for all the people coming to the wedding and its a lot of fun for them. Amy: And we have some wedding gifts for the bride. *Amy unfolds the gift* Philip: Yes Amy: So this is traditional? *Phlip further explains wit gift in his hand* Philip: It's a traditional but basically uh--what we used to wear traditionally its not the fabric its the cow skin. You skin a cow and dry the skin use--but its toally dry you can not really wear it. So the women would work on it using the kettle fur the red oak with the smooth stone and starts getting the hair off as well as smoothening the skin. And then they'll have some ??? work on it and then that's what they would wear and that's exactly what you'll see they group--the brides wearing... Amy: The brides wearing cow skins? 11;50;30;21 Philip: No she wears a different thing and that to be a goat--sheep skin. Amy: Sheep skin? Philip: Yeah which is supposed to be very smooth. Amy: Okay Philip: And nicely done with a lot of big work in it. Amy: Okay so we'll have dancing and singing what else can we expect? 11;50;44;44 Phlip: There's a lot of bless here as we go in there they do a lot of blessing you have the elders coming and blessing you both the bride and groom and they used milk and grass to bless them with honey as well. And there will be lots of advice from the mother talking to her daughter you know giving her the rights words. You know how to star their life Amy: This is a big deal because she is the first wife of probably what will be many wifes. 11;51;10;59 Philip: Oh yes itll be--its a very big deal because no matter how many wives you can have the first wife is always you know like the pillar of that family Amy: Okay Phili: So she-- she will always be respected more then any other wife Amy: So its a big deal to be the first wife? Philip: Its a very big deal to be the fisrt wife. 11;51;25;49 Amy: And I understand he paid for her dowry in cattle? Philip: Oh yes he paid in cattle and you know depending on the family your getting into you can pay six you can pay twelve you can pay four and all is decided by the father of the girl and the father of the boy. So its an arranged marriage so the boy doesnt really have to engage in this situation but if you ever go for the second wife then you can pay your own half. Amy: Okay and this marriage the daughter--this is the daughter of the chiefof this particular Masai groupp yes? 11;51;57;34 *Camera zooms into the Masai tribe* Philip: Oh yes and that's why you're seeing a number of people and its going to be its a big wedding. It wont just compare with someone whos of a low rank in the coummunity but this is the daughter of the chief. Amy: Okay alright lets go. Philip: Let's go see. 11;52;12;52 *Amy and Philip walking towards Masai tribe w/ singing in background* 11;52;31;02 *Philip explaining while walking closer to the tribe* *Very loud singing can barley here Philip* Phlip: So as you can see you see the girls on this side men on the other side they're facing eachother dancing and they have necklaces and you see the ladies going like this shaking their shoulders. So they are going to walk up into the village. 11;52;50;48 *Amy and Philip walking with tribe while they sing* 11;53;09;10 Philip: You see them carrying speers? Amy: Yes. Phlip: Because we're the *cant understand??* So we always have to be Amy: Prepared just incase. Phlip: You have to got your traditional weapons with speers but they carry heavy sticks they also *can't understand??* As you can see on the side they have a machette you see it? *can't understand??* Amy: Oh okay okay. 11;53;35;31 Amy: They always haver weapons them? Phlip: Always always have weapons 11;53;59;54 *Shot of family/village people gathering for the wedding on field* *Philip talking in background* Philip: So up threre I'll introduce you to the chief of the village. 11;54;16;40 *Philip shaking the Cheif's hand and introducing* Cheif: Hello. Philip: Hello so this is uh-- *cant understand name?* he's the cheif of the this village and it's a big deal today cause it is his daughter who is getting married. *Amy shaking the Cheif's hand* Amy: Congradulations. Cheif: Thank you. *Amy laughing* Amy: Are you excited? 11;54;33;28 *Chief talking to Philip in different langage* 11;54;49;40 *Shot of the Chief's wives while Amy and Philip talk in background* Philip: So these are his wives uh-- she's all four wives are his wives. She's the mother of the girl who just--who's getting married. But uh--the others are his *can't understand??* you know wife-mates is what they call themselves. Amy: Sister wives. Philip: Sister wives. Amy: We call them sister wives *laughs* Philip: Alright okay. 11;55;10;39 Philip: So now from here from this point he's going to walk us and introduce us to the uh--bride. Amy: Okay great. Philip: And the groom. *Amy, Philip, and Chief walking towards wedding* 11;55;41;22 *Shot of bride and mother in law while Philip talks in background* Philip: So this is uh--the bride and this is her--the mother in law. So she's from her mother today going to join the mother in law and the mother in law will take her into the village and welcome her to his home--to her home sorry. And then of course give her a very good welcome with a number of presents. 11;56;04;04 *Close up shot of bride* Amy: On this day is she nervous is she excited. *Medium shot of everyone* Philip: She's um--its kind of both its normally very sad cause your leaving your fathers--you know your family and going to join another family. So most of the time... Amy: She looks a little sad. Philip: She---- has to be she is sad because you know from now on she's going to live with a different family and leave your father and your mother in a different family. 11;56;30;49 Chief: But also she is the one who agreed. *Shot of Amy and chief talking* Amy: She agreed to this you didn't just tell her she had to? She said okay? Chief: Yes she said okay. Amy: Yes so is she happy? Chief: Yes she has to be with her husband. He's-- uh... 11;56;47;22 Philip: Here's the groom. *Amy shaking the grooms hand* Amy: Hello nice to meet you congratulations. Oh you got a little hand shake there I like that *laughs* *Close up shot of groom* 11;57;03;37 *Shot of groom's father while Amy and Phillip talk in background* Philip: And this the--his father the father of the groom. Amy: Nice to meet you. Philip: And his four elders yeah and this is the best man. Amy: The best man alright very nice. 11;57;30;34 *Everyone talking towards village* Philip: So we are going to go into the village where she is getting married and normally at this point she doesn't really have a house but she will live in the mother in law house for a few days. Amy: How close is it to where her family lives is she close still it's the same village right so its close? *Shot of village people while Philip talks in background* Philip: Its the same village its not very far from here its uphill on the other side. Amy: Okay. 11;57;55;23 Philip: But normally when you go to your--when you get married first of all when you're walking from your village to where you're getting married you're not supposed to look back. Amy: Oh. *Shot of Amy and Philip walking* Philip: The bride is not supposed to look back because if you look back then there is a believe that you'll turn to stone. 11;58;14;11 Amy: Oh wow okay you'll turn to stone if you look back at your old village? Philip: Yes yes the day you're getting married as you're walking you just have to keep walking and you go straight... *Front shot of Amy and Philip walking* Amy: You have to go forward can't look back. Philip: You look forward you never look back yeah so its a believe which is there's. Amy: Okay. 11;58;28;59 Philip: So she never look back when she was coming here. Amy: She never looked back? Philip: No she never looked back. Amy: Wow. 11;58;37;25 *Shot of fence while Philip talks in background* Philip: So you can see as were getting into the village this is where the cows are kept and you know because of wild life you really have to have a strong fence around it. *Shot of everyone entering the fence* 11;58;57;30 Philip: Okay welcome here you have to bend a little and careful cause you know we have cows living in here. *Amy laughs* Amy: This is where they're getting married? *Amy enters the fence* 11;59;14;04 Amy: They get married here? Philip: Oh yeah. Amy; They get married where they keep the cows? Philip: Right. *Amy laughs* Amy: Wow I wasn't expecting that. Amy: Why do they get married where they keep the cows? 11;59;27;30 *Shot of Chief talking to Philip in a different language* 11;59;48;44 Philip: He say this is where the wedding takes place because she's--cows this is where cows do stay and she's going to get a portion of cows from the herd which sleeps here and that way she can start work. Philip: Everybody's so happy singing a lot of singing. *Amy and Philip talking while tribe dances/sings in background* Amy: Will there be food and drink or? Philip: Oh yes from the morning there has been a lot of food and drinking and it will continue on it can even go on for two days. Amy: Two days? 12;00;27;08 *Shot of tribe dancing/singing* Philip: Yeah or even more depending on how many cows you have cause its all about eating and singing and drinking so they also prepare the local brew which is normally prepared with honey and elders are the only ones who are supposed to drink. Young men are not supposed to drink but people his age they sit in the evening and keep drinking and you know just be happy. Amy: Yes. Philip: That their children are getting married. 12;00;55;23 *Shot of Philip while Amy talks in background* Amy: And is there a ceremony so they have vows do they exchange vows or how does it work? *Philip asking Chief the question in another language* 12;01;09;12 *Shot of people/family along fence* 12;01;29;20 *Tribe dancing/singing* 12;01;40;26 Philip: They are saying just before they left the bride's home you know the elders from the tribe would ask her are you ready to go with this man and she said yes and that was done this morning. Amy: Okay. Philip: And the boy was also asked that are you ready to take good care of our daughter and he said yes he will. Amy: Okay. 12;02;01;35 Amy: And so what happens here now is there a ceremony at all or? Philip: Yes there is a ceremony the elders are going to bless the bride and groom Chief: During the night. Philip: During the night yeah that will happen during the night. Amy: Okay. 12;02;20;21 *Close up shot of Chief* 12;02;24;37 Philip: The bride and groom are right there. 12;02;39;01 *Shot of bride and groom along with others along the fence* 12;02;58;55 *Medium shot of groom* 12;03;19;29 *Medium shot of bride* 12;03;37;42 *Medium shot of bride, groom, mother in law, and best man* 12;03;44;21 *Close up shot of bride* 12;03;59;50 *Pan shot of bride* 12;04;43;31 *Amy presenting the bride her gift* Amy: I'm gonna present you with this congratulations. *Amy and bride shaking hands* Amy: Thank you very much for letting us come in-- we call it crashing a wedding so I guess we're crashing your wedding but thank you. Bes man: Nice to meet you. Amy: Nice to meet you too. 12;05;09;03 *Bride holding the gift* 12;05;16;57 Amy: Can I get a picture with you? *Amy and bride taking photo* 12;05;33;02 Amy: How old is the bride? Philip: She's twenty years old. Amy: Wow twenty. Philip: And the groom is twenty seven. Amy: Okay nice great. 12;05;42;22 Amy: You guys--are they gonna celebrate now? *laughs* Philip: No its like other people are celebrating but there are a lot of other things that should happen. They wait until midnight right now it's just singing and dancing singing and dancing and in the middle of the night by midnight then they'll go inside and the blessing will be done inside of the house. 12;06;06;47 *Panning shot of everyone along the fence* 12;06;49;16 *Shot of everyone leaving the cow area* 12;08;03;06 *Medium shot of little boy with singing in background* 12;08;08;06 *Shot of tribe dancing/singing with necklaces* 12;08;18;11 *Shot of just boys singing* 12;08;27;25 *Panning shot of tribe singing/dancing* 12;09;23;58 *Shot of mother in law, bride, and groom* 12;09;58;56 *Tribe singing and boys jumping for the next few minutes* 12;12;58;12 *Loud audio of girls singing in background* Amy: So the young men are jumping and the women are singing tell me why they're doing that? Philip: *can't understand??* These are unmarried girls and these are unmarried boys so boys and girls are singing and the *can't understand??* about boys impressing girls and girls impressing boys. You see the boys jumping up and down whoever can jump higher can move you know his shoulders while he's jumping will get attracted--another girl will get attracted to him. And like with the girls you see the necklaces going up and down its about them trying to impress the boys. And normally if the boy is impressed he'll go in just like go but not touching so that I adore you right. *Medium shot of Amy while Philip talks in background* Amy: Oh okay. Philip: *can't understand??* and its so much fun cause from this stage they're looking forward to go to where go towards what? Amy: The wedding? Philip: To the wedding right. 12;13;49;15 *Wide shot Amy and Philip talking w/ tribe in background* Amy: And these are all they're close to being of marrying age? Philip: Yes are close to marrying age we have most of the girls in our culture girls get married at a very young age. This girl is twenty years old but somebody--any from the age of 13 they can get married. Amy: Age of 13 and up they are marriable. Philip: Anytime from that time they can get married. 12;14;08;56 Amy: How difficult is it to keep alive in a modern world? *Medium shot of Philip talking* Philip: Uh--its kind of challenging cause you know is--they depend entirely on livestock idea so it's all about goats, cows um--sheep and of course they use donkeys for transportation. So it's all about inquiring the cows to be able to live comfortable. But now with the global warming regions the seasons are changing we rarely get rain so animals really they must get enough to eat and now if the boys the pressure is coming in and the girl is insisting that kids should go to school. *close up shot of Amy* But its very challenging because you cannot send all your kids cause you have a lot of cows you have a lot of goats and you have to have somebody to help you look after these cows. 12;14;59;14 Amy: How many of these kids go to school? Philip: Very few very few. Amy: Very few. Philip: With the same reason that your parents want you to help them with their day activates as herding cows. Amy: And when you have teenage boys and girls how do you keep them away from electronics modern advances like cell phones and televisions tablets? 12;15;21;49 Philip: Its hard cause you know a few have a chance to go to school then they get exposed to you know a different lifestyle they go there they see cellphones they see televisions and you know as they see that they come home and they want it. And you know just as we come here you come here they see you with your cellphone taking a picture you have a watch and they would want to have that. So its um--its hard to keep them away from it and I assure you some of the boys who are in this village went to school probably they have cell phones already. Amy: Okay. Philip: Yup. 12;15;57;02 Amy: And you--you--you've been bridging both worlds what was that like for you? You went off to school. Philip: Right um--it didn't start from me my father grew up typically in the village like this and you know he was fortunate to go to school simply because you know we had the colonial government in the early 50s and they forced every family to take at least one kid to go to school. but fortunately for me my father was lazy looking after the cows so when they went to my grandfather who had two wives he easily picked up my father cause he was not much of help to the family. *laughs* Amy: So he got to go to school because he was lazy? Philip: Lazy looking after the cows. *Amy laughs* 12;16;33;38 Philip: So when he went to school of course uh--he became a school teacher and we were born of course and because he knew the value education he did send us to school. But what I respect from my father is that he made sure that as we were growing up he did send us to the village. So I grew up partly in a village like this in my grandfather's place but you know we went to school and then of course fortunately here I am today. Amy: Yeah you have a watch and a cellphone. Philip: Oh big time smart phone not just a phone. *Laughing together* 12;17;15;40 *Circle shot around Amy and Philip while talking* Amy: Everyone got quiet they're watching us. Philip: Yup. Amy: How often would they see how often do they have cameras here in these villages? Philip: uh--not very many times this village is away from you know the civilization. Amy: It's hard to get to. Philip: Right right its hard to get to those villages are close to the roads and you know maybe hotels and lodges around here are exposed to cameras more often than the village like this. And if... Amy: But this village not so much. Philip: In this village not so much. 12;17;48;50 Amy: What happens when someone--when someone gets sick this village what happens? Philip: Uh--if--when people get sick they mainly depend on the traditions we have and you know so we have a traditional healer who really doesn't really perform magics but he knows which kind of herbs works for which signs. So normally if you get sick then you know your parents will take you to the traditional healer and they look at you and decide which kind of herbs you can use. 12;18;15;01 Philip: The bushes your seeing around here the trees the roots lots of trees uh--leafs a lot of them do have some traditional values in them as a culture and that's entirely what they depend on Amy: So they don't go to the hospital they don't Philip: They rarely go to the hospital if you have a member of the family who is educated and he can convince that there's modern treatment there's modern medicine then you really have to convince them to there and if you take them there you also have to pay for the coast. *Circle shot around Amy and Philip* Amy: Right. 12;18;45;06 Philip: So most of the time if you get a complicated disease... Am: It is what it is Philip: Hear problem or yeah.. Amy: Cancer. Philip: That's it yup. Amy: Uh--is money exchanged here at all? 12;18;55;43 *shot of Amy while Philip talks* Philip: Uh now yes money is used as exchange but for many years barter trade was the system here. You give maybe two goats three goats for a baby cow uh--if you want to have some fabric then you know give a cow get 50 pieces. Amy: So live stock was and still is in some cases the currency? Philip; It is still the currency until now but little by little you know the paper money is coming in as method of exchange. Amy: Okay. Philip: Yeah. 12;19;27;18 Amy: Tell us what we were just watching we saw the boys were jumping and the girls were singing what is that tradition? Philip: Uh--that tradition is all about boys and girls you know competing. Boys competing among themselves and girls competing among themselves and its all about impressing girls impressing boys, boys impressing girls so. Amy: We call that flirting. Philip: Flirting? Amy: Flirting *laughs* Philip: Good then I should call it flirting so whoever can jump higher and can maneuver the jumps would impress girls and whichever girl can shake the shoulders with the white necklaces *shot of children* better than the others of course will impress the boys. 12;20;04;25 Amy: And then the boys let the girls know that they like them by doing what? Philip: Oh in fact you probably saw it you as they think that you know I'm impressed by you they will just jump and land and go and kind of lean on girl but not really touching. Amy: And that means? Philip: That means you know I adore you right. Amy: Okay. Philip: Same as girls they'll come and do the same thing to the boy they think that this is the right man. 12;20;29;48 Amy: Oh wow and that just happened here? Philip: Yeah it did it did it happen here. *Amy laughs* Amy: So some marriages could be in play in the next couple of weeks months? Philip: Uh--yeah it depends could be even next week if somebody is coming up of age and normally you do not decide its your parents to decide who you gonna get married and the parents look at the history they look at family which is known to be very hard working they look at the family which doesn't have a bad you know like somebody you know a family maybe which has had a bad history that maybe they were practicing witchcraft then the wouldn't just get married to that family at all. And that's what the fathers do decide and you know its your father and the girls--girls father who meet and decide that you know look my son came up of age and he needs to get married and why don't your daughter get married to my son. If they agree they discuss about the payment which is normally in terms of cows could be two cows could be six cows and as soon as they agree the father will arrange for the wedding. And of course the number of cows would be slaughtered goats and people will eat and they also make the local beer elders will be there and drinking it. 12;21;45;42 Amy: What happens if a boy and a girl fall in love? Philip: Uh--you know it's... Amy: Cause that has to happen. Philip: It happens you know they kind of uh--get girlfriends but you can't... Amy: It isn't necessarily who they marry? Philip; No it isn't necessarily who they marry its your father to decide who you get married to. Amy: Alright interesting. 12;22;09;06 *Shot of dog walking* 12;22;11;00 *Shot of bride, groom, and family while Amy and Philip talk in background* Amy: And do most people--most people do not speak English here the Chief obviously does Philip: Yeah the chief does and probably I don't know maybe some young men yeah. 12;22;27;24 *Amy and Philip walking* Philip: So yeah this is life. Amy: Yeah no this is just a way of life that's been preserved which is pretty incredible. Philip: Yeah you know it's the only tribe in Africa I would say one of the few tribes in Africa which is still very proud to their culture. You look at it is primitive but this is what they know they do not know the outside world. So you see it as if they're preservative but they'll probably more primitive then they think we are primitive then them. Amy: They don't know what they don't know. Philip: No. 12;22;59;14 Amy: Its beautiful to living with the land and it would be so strange for them to see New York City. *laughs* Philip: Right look at the landscape they live in. Amy: It's gorgeous. Philip: Great and large. 12;23;25;26 *Shot of little boy* 12;23;45;13 *Shot of dog* 12;23;58;55 *Shot of people around the village* 12;24;12;36 *Shot of Amy taking picture of kids* 12;24;32;37 *Amy surrounded by the kids* 12;24;55;05 *Shot of Amy taking picture with the kids* 12;25;02;15 *Close up shot of kids* 12;25;10;17 *Shot of kids looking at picture they took on a cellphone* 12;25;38;40 *Amy showing kids the pictures and cellphone for the next few minutes* Amy: You see everybody see. *Amy laughs* Amy: Is that you? Wanna zoom in Amy: That's fun isn't it? Amy: You see yoursevles. 12;26;17;06 Amy: You can move it you wanna move it with your hands see you can touch it and it moves see. *kids laughing* Amy: That's neat right. 12;26;33;42 *Different shots of girls dancing with necklaces and boys jumping for the next few minutes* 12;33;03;02 *Amy saying bye to kids* Amy: Thank you buh-bye buh- bye buh- bye. 12;33;34;10 *Wide shot of people of the village* 12;33;49;45 *Shot of women and man on grass for the next few minutes* 12;35;24;38 *Kids walking around village* 12;35;52;14 *Shot of 2 tribe members walking*

WHEELS ACROSS AFRICA

11;48;08;02 Shot of greenery and field. 11;48;15;33 Shot of Masai tribe in the field singing. 11;48;35;28 *Amy getting out of car Masai tribe singing in background* That was uh--an interesting journey *laughs* woo wow I've never been on a road quiet like that before but we made it now walk right? Woa. 11;49;07;11 *Amy intervewing Philip on field w/ Masai tribe in background* Amy: Okay Philip so that was--that was quiet a journey to get here. Philip: I'll tell you what the terrain and is just what you saw. *Amy laughs* Amy: Which is which is not really meant for vehicles but we found a way to get here. Philip: Yeah we found a way to get here actually we had to use the cattle trails as you saw and its not very easy to come with the cars but this is what your just about to see which is the Masai wedding. 11;49;26;40 Amy: The Masai wedding Philip: Right yeah what you seeing in front of us currently its the Masai dance and this is just a welcoming dance and we have young men and young women boys and girls dacing cause normally its a big cermony as you can see. Amy: So are they dancing for all the people who are coming to the wedding? 11;49;50;06 Phlip: Oh yes they are dancing for all the people coming to the wedding and its a lot of fun for them. Amy: And we have some wedding gifts for the bride. *Amy unfolds the gift* Philip: Yes Amy: So this is traditional? *Phlip further explains wit gift in his hand* Philip: It's a traditional but basically uh--what we used to wear traditionally its not the fabric its the cow skin. You skin a cow and dry the skin use--but its toally dry you can not really wear it. So the women would work on it using the kettle fur the red oak with the smooth stone and starts getting the hair off as well as smoothening the skin. And then they'll have some ??? work on it and then that's what they would wear and that's exactly what you'll see they group--the brides wearing... Amy: The brides wearing cow skins? 11;50;30;21 Philip: No she wears a different thing and that to be a goat--sheep skin. Amy: Sheep skin? Philip: Yeah which is supposed to be very smooth. Amy: Okay Philip: And nicely done with a lot of big work in it. Amy: Okay so we'll have dancing and singing what else can we expect? 11;50;44;44 Phlip: There's a lot of bless here as we go in there they do a lot of blessing you have the elders coming and blessing you both the bride and groom and they used milk and grass to bless them with honey as well. And there will be lots of advice from the mother talking to her daughter you know giving her the rights words. You know how to star their life Amy: This is a big deal because she is the first wife of probably what will be many wifes. 11;51;10;59 Philip: Oh yes itll be--its a very big deal because no matter how many wives you can have the first wife is always you know like the pillar of that family Amy: Okay Phili: So she-- she will always be respected more then any other wife Amy: So its a big deal to be the first wife? Philip: Its a very big deal to be the fisrt wife. 11;51;25;49 Amy: And I understand he paid for her dowry in cattle? Philip: Oh yes he paid in cattle and you know depending on the family your getting into you can pay six you can pay twelve you can pay four and all is decided by the father of the girl and the father of the boy. So its an arranged marriage so the boy doesnt really have to engage in this situation but if you ever go for the second wife then you can pay your own half. Amy: Okay and this marriage the daughter--this is the daughter of the chiefof this particular Masai groupp yes? 11;51;57;34 *Camera zooms into the Masai tribe* Philip: Oh yes and that's why you're seeing a number of people and its going to be its a big wedding. It wont just compare with someone whos of a low rank in the coummunity but this is the daughter of the chief. Amy: Okay alright lets go. Philip: Let's go see. 11;52;12;52 *Amy and Philip walking towards Masai tribe w/ singing in background* 11;52;31;02 *Philip explaining while walking closer to the tribe* *Very loud singing can barley here Philip* Phlip: So as you can see you see the girls on this side men on the other side they're facing eachother dancing and they have necklaces and you see the ladies going like this shaking their shoulders. So they are going to walk up into the village. 11;52;50;48 *Amy and Philip walking with tribe while they sing* 11;53;09;10 Philip: You see them carrying speers? Amy: Yes. Phlip: Because we're the *cant understand??* So we always have to be Amy: Prepared just incase. Phlip: You have to got your traditional weapons with speers but they carry heavy sticks they also *can't understand??* As you can see on the side they have a machette you see it? *can't understand??* Amy: Oh okay okay. 11;53;35;31 Amy: They always haver weapons them? Phlip: Always always have weapons 11;53;59;54 *Shot of family/village people gathering for the wedding on field* *Philip talking in background* Philip: So up threre I'll introduce you to the chief of the village. 11;54;16;40 *Philip shaking the Cheif's hand and introducing* Cheif: Hello. Philip: Hello so this is uh-- *cant understand name?* he's the cheif of the this village and it's a big deal today cause it is his daughter who is getting married. *Amy shaking the Cheif's hand* Amy: Congradulations. Cheif: Thank you. *Amy laughing* Amy: Are you excited? 11;54;33;28 *Chief talking to Philip in different langage* 11;54;49;40 *Shot of the Chief's wives while Amy and Philip talk in background* Philip: So these are his wives uh-- she's all four wives are his wives. She's the mother of the girl who just--who's getting married. But uh--the others are his *can't understand??* you know wife-mates is what they call themselves. Amy: Sister wives. Philip: Sister wives. Amy: We call them sister wives *laughs* Philip: Alright okay. 11;55;10;39 Philip: So now from here from this point he's going to walk us and introduce us to the uh--bride. Amy: Okay great. Philip: And the groom. *Amy, Philip, and Chief walking towards wedding* 11;55;41;22 *Shot of bride and mother in law while Philip talks in background* Philip: So this is uh--the bride and this is her--the mother in law. So she's from her mother today going to join the mother in law and the mother in law will take her into the village and welcome her to his home--to her home sorry. And then of course give her a very good welcome with a number of presents. 11;56;04;04 *Close up shot of bride* Amy: On this day is she nervous is she excited. *Medium shot of everyone* Philip: She's um--its kind of both its normally very sad cause your leaving your fathers--you know your family and going to join another family. So most of the time... Amy: She looks a little sad. Philip: She---- has to be she is sad because you know from now on she's going to live with a different family and leave your father and your mother in a different family. 11;56;30;49 Chief: But also she is the one who agreed. *Shot of Amy and chief talking* Amy: She agreed to this you didn't just tell her she had to? She said okay? Chief: Yes she said okay. Amy: Yes so is she happy? Chief: Yes she has to be with her husband. He's-- uh... 11;56;47;22 Philip: Here's the groom. *Amy shaking the grooms hand* Amy: Hello nice to meet you congratulations. Oh you got a little hand shake there I like that *laughs* *Close up shot of groom* 11;57;03;37 *Shot of groom's father while Amy and Phillip talk in background* Philip: And this the--his father the father of the groom. Amy: Nice to meet you. Philip: And his four elders yeah and this is the best man. Amy: The best man alright very nice. 11;57;30;34 *Everyone talking towards village* Philip: So we are going to go into the village where she is getting married and normally at this point she doesn't really have a house but she will live in the mother in law house for a few days. Amy: How close is it to where her family lives is she close still it's the same village right so its close? *Shot of village people while Philip talks in background* Philip: Its the same village its not very far from here its uphill on the other side. Amy: Okay. 11;57;55;23 Philip: But normally when you go to your--when you get married first of all when you're walking from your village to where you're getting married you're not supposed to look back. Amy: Oh. *Shot of Amy and Philip walking* Philip: The bride is not supposed to look back because if you look back then there is a believe that you'll turn to stone. 11;58;14;11 Amy: Oh wow okay you'll turn to stone if you look back at your old village? Philip: Yes yes the day you're getting married as you're walking you just have to keep walking and you go straight... *Front shot of Amy and Philip walking* Amy: You have to go forward can't look back. Philip: You look forward you never look back yeah so its a believe which is there's. Amy: Okay. 11;58;28;59 Philip: So she never look back when she was coming here. Amy: She never looked back? Philip: No she never looked back. Amy: Wow. 11;58;37;25 *Shot of fence while Philip talks in background* Philip: So you can see as were getting into the village this is where the cows are kept and you know because of wild life you really have to have a strong fence around it. *Shot of everyone entering the fence* 11;58;57;30 Philip: Okay welcome here you have to bend a little and careful cause you know we have cows living in here. *Amy laughs* Amy: This is where they're getting married? *Amy enters the fence* 11;59;14;04 Amy: They get married here? Philip: Oh yeah. Amy; They get married where they keep the cows? Philip: Right. *Amy laughs* Amy: Wow I wasn't expecting that. Amy: Why do they get married where they keep the cows? 11;59;27;30 *Shot of Chief talking to Philip in a different language* 11;59;48;44 Philip: He say this is where the wedding takes place because she's--cows this is where cows do stay and she's going to get a portion of cows from the herd which sleeps here and that way she can start work. Philip: Everybody's so happy singing a lot of singing. *Amy and Philip talking while tribe dances/sings in background* Amy: Will there be food and drink or? Philip: Oh yes from the morning there has been a lot of food and drinking and it will continue on it can even go on for two days. Amy: Two days? 12;00;27;08 *Shot of tribe dancing/singing* Philip: Yeah or even more depending on how many cows you have cause its all about eating and singing and drinking so they also prepare the local brew which is normally prepared with honey and elders are the only ones who are supposed to drink. Young men are not supposed to drink but people his age they sit in the evening and keep drinking and you know just be happy. Amy: Yes. Philip: That their children are getting married. 12;00;55;23 *Shot of Philip while Amy talks in background* Amy: And is there a ceremony so they have vows do they exchange vows or how does it work? *Philip asking Chief the question in another language* 12;01;09;12 *Shot of people/family along fence* 12;01;29;20 *Tribe dancing/singing* 12;01;40;26 Philip: They are saying just before they left the bride's home you know the elders from the tribe would ask her are you ready to go with this man and she said yes and that was done this morning. Amy: Okay. Philip: And the boy was also asked that are you ready to take good care of our daughter and he said yes he will. Amy: Okay. 12;02;01;35 Amy: And so what happens here now is there a ceremony at all or? Philip: Yes there is a ceremony the elders are going to bless the bride and groom Chief: During the night. Philip: During the night yeah that will happen during the night. Amy: Okay. 12;02;20;21 *Close up shot of Chief* 12;02;24;37 Philip: The bride and groom are right there. 12;02;39;01 *Shot of bride and groom along with others along the fence* 12;02;58;55 *Medium shot of groom* 12;03;19;29 *Medium shot of bride* 12;03;37;42 *Medium shot of bride, groom, mother in law, and best man* 12;03;44;21 *Close up shot of bride* 12;03;59;50 *Pan shot of bride* 12;04;43;31 *Amy presenting the bride her gift* Amy: I'm gonna present you with this congratulations. *Amy and bride shaking hands* Amy: Thank you very much for letting us come in-- we call it crashing a wedding so I guess we're crashing your wedding but thank you. Bes man: Nice to meet you. Amy: Nice to meet you too. 12;05;09;03 *Bride holding the gift* 12;05;16;57 Amy: Can I get a picture with you? *Amy and bride taking photo* 12;05;33;02 Amy: How old is the bride? Philip: She's twenty years old. Amy: Wow twenty. Philip: And the groom is twenty seven. Amy: Okay nice great. 12;05;42;22 Amy: You guys--are they gonna celebrate now? *laughs* Philip: No its like other people are celebrating but there are a lot of other things that should happen. They wait until midnight right now it's just singing and dancing singing and dancing and in the middle of the night by midnight then they'll go inside and the blessing will be done inside of the house. 12;06;06;47 *Panning shot of everyone along the fence* 12;06;49;16 *Shot of everyone leaving the cow area* 12;08;03;06 *Medium shot of little boy with singing in background* 12;08;08;06 *Shot of tribe dancing/singing with necklaces* 12;08;18;11 *Shot of just boys singing* 12;08;27;25 *Panning shot of tribe singing/dancing* 12;09;23;58 *Shot of mother in law, bride, and groom* 12;09;58;56 *Tribe singing and boys jumping for the next few minutes* 12;12;58;12 *Loud audio of girls singing in background* Amy: So the young men are jumping and the women are singing tell me why they're doing that? Philip: *can't understand??* These are unmarried girls and these are unmarried boys so boys and girls are singing and the *can't understand??* about boys impressing girls and girls impressing boys. You see the boys jumping up and down whoever can jump higher can move you know his shoulders while he's jumping will get attracted--another girl will get attracted to him. And like with the girls you see the necklaces going up and down its about them trying to impress the boys. And normally if the boy is impressed he'll go in just like go but not touching so that I adore you right. *Medium shot of Amy while Philip talks in background* Amy: Oh okay. Philip: *can't understand??* and its so much fun cause from this stage they're looking forward to go to where go towards what? Amy: The wedding? Philip: To the wedding right. 12;13;49;15 *Wide shot Amy and Philip talking w/ tribe in background* Amy: And these are all they're close to being of marrying age? Philip: Yes are close to marrying age we have most of the girls in our culture girls get married at a very young age. This girl is twenty years old but somebody--any from the age of 13 they can get married. Amy: Age of 13 and up they are marriable. Philip: Anytime from that time they can get married. 12;14;08;56 Amy: How difficult is it to keep alive in a modern world? *Medium shot of Philip talking* Philip: Uh--its kind of challenging cause you know is--they depend entirely on livestock idea so it's all about goats, cows um--sheep and of course they use donkeys for transportation. So it's all about inquiring the cows to be able to live comfortable. But now with the global warming regions the seasons are changing we rarely get rain so animals really they must get enough to eat and now if the boys the pressure is coming in and the girl is insisting that kids should go to school. *close up shot of Amy* But its very challenging because you cannot send all your kids cause you have a lot of cows you have a lot of goats and you have to have somebody to help you look after these cows. 12;14;59;14 Amy: How many of these kids go to school? Philip: Very few very few. Amy: Very few. Philip: With the same reason that your parents want you to help them with their day activates as herding cows. Amy: And when you have teenage boys and girls how do you keep them away from electronics modern advances like cell phones and televisions tablets? 12;15;21;49 Philip: Its hard cause you know a few have a chance to go to school then they get exposed to you know a different lifestyle they go there they see cellphones they see televisions and you know as they see that they come home and they want it. And you know just as we come here you come here they see you with your cellphone taking a picture you have a watch and they would want to have that. So its um--its hard to keep them away from it and I assure you some of the boys who are in this village went to school probably they have cell phones already. Amy: Okay. Philip: Yup. 12;15;57;02 Amy: And you--you--you've been bridging both worlds what was that like for you? You went off to school. Philip: Right um--it didn't start from me my father grew up typically in the village like this and you know he was fortunate to go to school simply because you know we had the colonial government in the early 50s and they forced every family to take at least one kid to go to school. but fortunately for me my father was lazy looking after the cows so when they went to my grandfather who had two wives he easily picked up my father cause he was not much of help to the family. *laughs* Amy: So he got to go to school because he was lazy? Philip: Lazy looking after the cows. *Amy laughs* 12;16;33;38 Philip: So when he went to school of course uh--he became a school teacher and we were born of course and because he knew the value education he did send us to school. But what I respect from my father is that he made sure that as we were growing up he did send us to the village. So I grew up partly in a village like this in my grandfather's place but you know we went to school and then of course fortunately here I am today. Amy: Yeah you have a watch and a cellphone. Philip: Oh big time smart phone not just a phone. *Laughing together* 12;17;15;40 *Circle shot around Amy and Philip while talking* Amy: Everyone got quiet they're watching us. Philip: Yup. Amy: How often would they see how often do they have cameras here in these villages? Philip: uh--not very many times this village is away from you know the civilization. Amy: It's hard to get to. Philip: Right right its hard to get to those villages are close to the roads and you know maybe hotels and lodges around here are exposed to cameras more often than the village like this. And if... Amy: But this village not so much. Philip: In this village not so much. 12;17;48;50 Amy: What happens when someone--when someone gets sick this village what happens? Philip: Uh--if--when people get sick they mainly depend on the traditions we have and you know so we have a traditional healer who really doesn't really perform magics but he knows which kind of herbs works for which signs. So normally if you get sick then you know your parents will take you to the traditional healer and they look at you and decide which kind of herbs you can use. 12;18;15;01 Philip: The bushes your seeing around here the trees the roots lots of trees uh--leafs a lot of them do have some traditional values in them as a culture and that's entirely what they depend on Amy: So they don't go to the hospital they don't Philip: They rarely go to the hospital if you have a member of the family who is educated and he can convince that there's modern treatment there's modern medicine then you really have to convince them to there and if you take them there you also have to pay for the coast. *Circle shot around Amy and Philip* Amy: Right. 12;18;45;06 Philip: So most of the time if you get a complicated disease... Am: It is what it is Philip: Hear problem or yeah.. Amy: Cancer. Philip: That's it yup. Amy: Uh--is money exchanged here at all? 12;18;55;43 *shot of Amy while Philip talks* Philip: Uh now yes money is used as exchange but for many years barter trade was the system here. You give maybe two goats three goats for a baby cow uh--if you want to have some fabric then you know give a cow get 50 pieces. Amy: So live stock was and still is in some cases the currency? Philip; It is still the currency until now but little by little you know the paper money is coming in as method of exchange. Amy: Okay. Philip: Yeah. 12;19;27;18 Amy: Tell us what we were just watching we saw the boys were jumping and the girls were singing what is that tradition? Philip: Uh--that tradition is all about boys and girls you know competing. Boys competing among themselves and girls competing among themselves and its all about impressing girls impressing boys, boys impressing girls so. Amy: We call that flirting. Philip: Flirting? Amy: Flirting *laughs* Philip: Good then I should call it flirting so whoever can jump higher and can maneuver the jumps would impress girls and whichever girl can shake the shoulders with the white necklaces *shot of children* better than the others of course will impress the boys. 12;20;04;25 Amy: And then the boys let the girls know that they like them by doing what? Philip: Oh in fact you probably saw it you as they think that you know I'm impressed by you they will just jump and land and go and kind of lean on girl but not really touching. Amy: And that means? Philip: That means you know I adore you right. Amy: Okay. Philip: Same as girls they'll come and do the same thing to the boy they think that this is the right man. 12;20;29;48 Amy: Oh wow and that just happened here? Philip: Yeah it did it did it happen here. *Amy laughs* Amy: So some marriages could be in play in the next couple of weeks months? Philip: Uh--yeah it depends could be even next week if somebody is coming up of age and normally you do not decide its your parents to decide who you gonna get married and the parents look at the history they look at family which is known to be very hard working they look at the family which doesn't have a bad you know like somebody you know a family maybe which has had a bad history that maybe they were practicing witchcraft then the wouldn't just get married to that family at all. And that's what the fathers do decide and you know its your father and the girls--girls father who meet and decide that you know look my son came up of age and he needs to get married and why don't your daughter get married to my son. If they agree they discuss about the payment which is normally in terms of cows could be two cows could be six cows and as soon as they agree the father will arrange for the wedding. And of course the number of cows would be slaughtered goats and people will eat and they also make the local beer elders will be there and drinking it. 12;21;45;42 Amy: What happens if a boy and a girl fall in love? Philip: Uh--you know it's... Amy: Cause that has to happen. Philip: It happens you know they kind of uh--get girlfriends but you can't... Amy: It isn't necessarily who they marry? Philip; No it isn't necessarily who they marry its your father to decide who you get married to. Amy: Alright interesting. 12;22;09;06 *Shot of dog walking* 12;22;11;00 *Shot of bride, groom, and family while Amy and Philip talk in background* Amy: And do most people--most people do not speak English here the Chief obviously does Philip: Yeah the chief does and probably I don't know maybe some young men yeah. 12;22;27;24 *Amy and Philip walking* Philip: So yeah this is life. Amy: Yeah no this is just a way of life that's been preserved which is pretty incredible. Philip: Yeah you know it's the only tribe in Africa I would say one of the few tribes in Africa which is still very proud to their culture. You look at it is primitive but this is what they know they do not know the outside world. So you see it as if they're preservative but they'll probably more primitive then they think we are primitive then them. Amy: They don't know what they don't know. Philip: No. 12;22;59;14 Amy: Its beautiful to living with the land and it would be so strange for them to see New York City. *laughs* Philip: Right look at the landscape they live in. Amy: It's gorgeous. Philip: Great and large. 12;23;25;26 *Shot of little boy* 12;23;45;13 *Shot of dog* 12;23;58;55 *Shot of people around the village* 12;24;12;36 *Shot of Amy taking picture of kids* 12;24;32;37 *Amy surrounded by the kids* 12;24;55;05 *Shot of Amy taking picture with the kids* 12;25;02;15 *Close up shot of kids* 12;25;10;17 *Shot of kids looking at picture they took on a cellphone* 12;25;38;40 *Amy showing kids the pictures and cellphone for the next few minutes* Amy: You see everybody see. *Amy laughs* Amy: Is that you? Wanna zoom in Amy: That's fun isn't it? Amy: You see yoursevles. 12;26;17;06 Amy: You can move it you wanna move it with your hands see you can touch it and it moves see. *kids laughing* Amy: That's neat right. 12;26;33;42 *Different shots of girls dancing with necklaces and boys jumping for the next few minutes* 12;33;03;02 *Amy saying bye to kids* Amy: Thank you buh-bye buh- bye buh- bye. 12;33;34;10 *Wide shot of people of the village* 12;33;49;45 *Shot of women and man on grass for the next few minutes* 12;35;24;38 *Kids walking around village* 12;35;52;14 *Shot of 2 tribe members walking*

Gazelle eating.

November 9, 2024: In the Namib Desert, members of the Himba tribe perform a traditional dance as part of a cultural presentation. The performance highlights the Himba people's rich heritage, passed down through generations, and offers a rare glimpse into their ancestral traditions, music, and storytelling. This celebration of identity underscores the enduring connection between their culture and the land they call home.

TVU 21 BETO OROURKE MONTGOMERY AL MEET AND GREET ABC UNI 101819 2020 Slug: TVU 21 BETO OROURKE MONTGOMERY AL MEET AND GREET ABC UNI 101819 2020 No major news from a brewery meet and greet Beto O'Rourke held with the Montgomery, Alabama young Democrats, his first visit to the state as a presidential candidate. But noting two things in light of this week's debate and a major issue in the state. Following the weeks-long back and forth between O'Rourke and Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the former's mandatory assault weapon buyback program, the crowd registered when O'Rourke talked about not doing the right thing because of "polling" multiple times at this event. The first time saying, "and that is the fear to succumb to what is politically popular or plausible under the conventional wisdom, or what might poll well, instead of doing the right thing" [20:15:38] However, the line to get the biggest crowd reaction was about abortion rights, in a state that just this past May 2019 saw the passage of the Human Life Protection Act that set a near-total ban on abortions. O'Rourke telling the crowd healthcare also meant being "unafraid to have universal guaranteed, high quality health care. That means prescription care primary care, mental health care, and every woman making her own decisions about her own body, and having access to the care that makes that possible." [20:18:47] One other highlight, with a young girl standing behind him, this time O'Rourke said "excuse me" after realizing he said bullshit in front of her. [20:12:41] TVU 21 BETO OROURKE MONTGOMERY AL MEET AND GREET ABC UNI 101819 2020 TVU 21 BETO OROURKE MONTGOMERY AL MEET AND GREET .Sub.01.wav [20:04:15] Is everybody doing right? [20:04:17] Thank you for welcoming us out and having us here at the goat house. [20:04:24] This is only my second visit in my 47 years on this planet to Alabama. My first was thank you. [20:04:31] My first was, I think in 1993, 1994, I was playing and touring in a punk rock band. And we don't know booze, but we played a show in Auburn. [20:04:46] And you thank you for your indulgence. The original. Original. [20:05:01] But we we were playing in someone's house, actually, to a crowd that was about a tenth the size of everyone who was here. So maybe maybe six or seven people who came out, who came out to see us. [20:05:13] Thank you so much. [20:05:23] Yeah. [20:05:27] Well, we're back in the end and now get to be here in Montgomery, come on in. Come join us. Thank you all for welcoming us. And I really want to keep my remarks brief so that I can listen to as many of you as possible. Answer your questions, hear what's on your mind. Listen to your ideas. Make sure they're part of the conversation, not just in this campaign, but in this country. This this is, if there ever was one, a defining moment of truth for America. [20:05:59] These are the most perilous times that we've ever seen. And you don't have to look far to find the truth in that statement. In fact, I was just at the Legacy Museum right now and was thinking about the history of white terror in this country, which museum defines as it in the reconstruction 1877 through 1950. So we get to the civil rights meet. But last night I was in North Texas in Grand Prairie between Fort Worth and Dallas. [20:06:35] And I met these two extraordinary women, Amber and Ashley Clark. Their sister this last weekend, Tay Jefferson, was shot in her own home. Black woman who was taking care of her 8 year old nephew in her own home. In fact, in the bedroom of her own home. And a white police officer responding to a call sees her through her window and shoots her through the window in her own home, kills her dead. [20:07:05] And one of the things taste sisters said to me that that has just been repeating in my mind all last night. All all it today is that there's nowhere that they feel safe. And they said, remember, our sister was not out. She was not in a club, in a bar, on the street, in somebody else's home. She wasn't doing anything except the most important thing. She was there with her nephew, with her family in her own home. [20:07:34] You all probably know this, but in that same community and in north Texas, more than a year ago, both John Young, black man killed in his own home, in his apartment by a police officer who walked in. And not only was he shot and killed. And not only did the police leak information later saying that both of John had some small amount of weed in his apartment, as though that would justify the killing of an unarmed man in his own apartment in America. [20:08:02] In this day and age. But but when the trial was finally conducted, the judge was going to allow the defense, Amber Geiger, to use the castle doctrine, the stand your ground doctrine, standing your ground in someone else's apartment while while you shoot them dead. So whether it is the fact that racism, systemic, foundational, endemic, is alive and well in this country and really being brought out into the open, unlike any other time in my life by the most racist president we've had probably since Andrew Johnson at the end of the Civil War. [20:08:40] There may be some competition for that distinction. [20:08:44] Maybe there's something going on that one. Yeah, unfortunate. [20:08:48] There are a lot of a lot of contenders for that. You think about gun violence and I just mentioned two examples of gun violence in the lives of Tate, Jefferson and both John. [20:09:00] I think about those in my hometown of El Paso, Texas, 22 killed by a gunman armed with an AK 47. Now, those of you who know your guns know that that weapon was designed, engineered, sold to the military's of the world because it is devastatingly effective at killing people very efficiently and in very great numbers. 22 killed in under three minutes when the Second Amendment was ratified and adopted, it took three minutes to reload your musket,. [20:09:30] That there is no way that anyone writing that amendment or the framers of our Constitution could have envisioned the kind of carnage that we can visit upon one another. Right now, 40000 people are killed every year in this country through gun violence. No other country on planet Earth comes even close. If you think about the facts and the youngest among us will probably bring this up if I fail to do this, but that this planet right now is cooking so fast that on this trajectory it will no longer support human life in the generations to come. [20:10:07] We're not supposed to raise the level of temperature on planet Earth above a degree to have Celsius over what we had in the industrial revolution. We are almost there right now. [20:10:18] And in fact, we're going to warm four or five degrees by the end of this. Century when you're in your 80s or when my kids are in their 90s. [20:10:31] And we know that the storms and the floods and the fires and the droughts that we're seeing across this country, all over this world, disproportionally hitting lower income communities and communities of color. The best predictor of your proximity to the frontlines of climate change right now is the color of your skin. It is happening in real time. And we have. But ten years left as a civilization to get this right, to free ourselves from fossil fuels. Embrace renewable energy and then helped lead the planet. [20:11:01] Because if the United States of America did all that today, that would only be 16 percent of the problem. You've got 10 million people living in this country who came here from other countries. Undocumented immigrants very often working the toughest jobs available in the United States of America today. They and more importantly, their kids your same age. Living in fear that they will be picked up, detained, deported back to a country which in some cases they have not visited in years or even decades. [20:11:33] You've got folks in this country working two or three or even for jobs just to make ends meet. Strangers in their own economy on the outside, looking into the wealth and the greatness that is produced in America, that they are effectively and functionally locked out of people with diabetes. Crowd funding insulin treatment, though insulin was developed 97 years ago in USA. [20:11:59] Actually, I read in Canada, but this this may continue our debate about the most racist presidents in American history. [20:12:07] Seven years ago, Canadian scientists come up with insulin and they sell it to the Canadian government for three Canadian dollars with no hope of profit or patenting or royalties because they just want to save the lives of their fellow human beings. And in the wealthiest, the greatest, the most powerful, the most medically advanced country on planet Earth today. People are dying of diabetes, of the flu, of curable cancers, not to paint too grim a picture, but to be honest and realistic about what we face. This is where we are today. Those are just some of the issues that are important to us. [20:12:41] And so how are we going to meet this challenge together? Because if we fail, we not only fail one another, we not only fail, you fail every generation that follows us going forward. We have to do this. In my opinion, without fear, we have to be unafraid to believe that we can make the solutions to these challenges possible. And we have to reject the false fabricated bullshit excuse me, fear of residents who want, as I say, the wants us to his own political advantage, to be afraid of one another, to be afraid of Muslims who he has defined as dangerous or just qualified or dysfunctional, and seeks to ban all people of one religion, of one faith from the shores of this country. [20:13:30] He wants us to be afraid of immigrants and asylum seekers. He has called them animals, predators, an invasion, an infestation, dehumanizing term so that we will treat them as less than human. And in this country, we have lost the lives of seven children in our custody and care on the U.S. Mexico border. Children who survive a two thousand mile journey, fleeing the deadliest countries on the face of the planet to come to this country. [20:13:55] One of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants to meet their worst nightmare, not their salvation or their refuge. He wants us to be afraid of powerful women of color. In fact, for women of color, duly elected to the United States Congress by their constituents, he's told them to go back to their country, though they're every bit as American as anyone else here in this room or in the United States today. And the consequence of this fear, this fake fabricated fear, a rise in hate crimes every single one of the last three years. [20:14:29] The day after he signs an executive order attempting to ban Muslim travel to the U.S., the mosque in Victoria, Texas, is burned to the ground. That gunman who came to El Paso, Texas. He was driven, inspired by the president and his warnings of invasions and infestations. Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, gunman walks in with one of these weapons of war and begins to shoot the congregants because he's afraid that Jewish Americans are financing the caravans. Who coming to this country? Who has said something about that? [20:15:01] The president of the United States. To be clear, it doesn't just offend us. It changes us. And it puts the lives of our fellow Americans in danger. There is that fake fear. There's the real fear that people feel. If you're the son or daughter of one of those immigrants who might be picked up. You deserve. You should be afraid that your parents may not be there. At the end of the day, if you live in one of these communities, it's on the frontlines of climate change. [20:15:26] I can understand you being afraid that this country's not going to do anything to change it. If you're a black. In America was what I just said about both them, John and T. Jefferson or two point three million behind bars, the largest prison population on the face of the planet, bar none disproportionately comprised of people of color. Or you see that disparate treatment not just in criminal justice, but in education, in the economy, in health care, where women of color are four times as likely to be the victims of a maternal mortality crisis in the United States of America today. [20:15:59] I can understand how you might be tempted to be afraid. But then there's this third kind of fear, which is what we face as Democrats, and that is the fear to succumb to what is politically popular or plausible under the conventional wisdom or what might poll well instead of doing the right thing. While we still have time to do the right thing. So on any one of these issues, I'll take guns. Not only having universal background checks, not only having red flag loss, but we can take that gun from someone who poses a danger to themselves or someone else. [20:16:35] Not only ending the sale of A.R. 15s and AK 47, but having the guts, being fearless enough to buy every single one of the 16 million of them that are out their back. So they cannot be used against us in our homes, in our schools and our synagogues and mosques, in our churches, in our places of public accommodation. Being fearless when we talk about race in America and saying that this country was founded not on the 4th of July 1776, but the 20th of August 16 19, the first time a kidnaped man was brought from West Africa against his will to begin building the greatness, the wealth, the success of America, which neither he nor his descendants would be able to fully participate in today. [20:17:17] And that when we talk about repairing the damage done and we've got to be talking about reparations, making sure that we bring every single American and their stories into a common understanding so that we have a common positive future for every single one of us and for our children. On a Friday when we talked about health care, not enough to be able to afford your prescriptions. That's a good start. But in a state like mine and it may be true for Alabama, the largest provider of mental health care services is the county jail system right now. You have people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and clinical depression literally getting arrested on purpose by sheriff's deputies. [20:17:53] So then go to the one place where they're guaranteed care, at least temporarily, for a little while. We've got to be unafraid to have universal guaranteed high quality health care. That means prescription care, primary care, mental health care, and every woman making her own decisions about her own body and having access to the care that makes that possible. We've got to say we don't care. Norman Porter, how it pulls what it does to our prospects in the next election, how popular that is with the rest of the country. The challenge for us right now at this moment of great peril is to do the right thing. [20:18:33] And in so doing, I think we produce a moment of great promise and potential for America. That is how. That is why I am running. That's the way in which I want to serve this country. Making sure that I bring everybody in. Leave no one behind. Take no one for granted. And count nobody out. And do this in service to the greatness, the ambition, the aspiration that should define us instead of our fears and the smallness of this moment. So that's what brought me out here today, to introduce myself to you. To listen to you. To hear your questions. To encourage everyone in this room to be unafraid as we go forward. Thank you all for having us as. [20:19:18] Raise your hand and raise a hand at all. And I'll call you. [20:19:22] Yeah. Yeah. There've been in several high profile instances where a company has punished NAMM and someone in their organization forthcoming in support of Hong Kong. And there's been a deafening silence from our government in response to the protests and the demonstrations going on there. How should we approach this and how are you interested in keeping us off of it? China has been really trying to pressure American companies right into supporting them. How do we avoid that and really step back and take away that role? [20:19:56] Great question. No question about Hong Kong and what is America's role in this movement for democracy? And it stinks that this is an open question right now, that there's an open question about whether the future of the world is a democratic one or an authoritarian one. [20:20:15] And it used to be that the United States of America could resoundingly answer that question in a positive for democracy. I mean, we were supposed to be the world's greatest democracy. We were supposed to stand for freedom and liberty around the world. And yet at this moment, we're turning our backs on the great democracies of this planet. And we're embracing the thugs, the strongman and the dictators around the world. [20:20:39] Vladimir Putin, heir to one in Turkey, al-Sisi in Egypt, Mohammad bin Salman in Saudi Arabia, who's able to murder an American based journalist with complete impunity and then bomb the next country over in Yemen back into the last century and into the next great humanitarian crisis. And then as young people in Hong Kong, not in the United States of America, are standing up, marching and willing in some ways to sacrifice for this ideal of democracy. We should have their backs and not just the the United States, but every single American institution. [20:21:15] So to some disappointment, we watch the NBA keep an eye on the bottom line. The one point five billion dollar deal that they've negotiated in China. We see our Internet companies self censoring and censoring their users and the people in their platforms in order to avail themselves of the market in China. Maybe the one great example I have for you is South Park. [20:21:37] I don't know. [20:21:37] Somebody has got enough, but they literally wrote a script and then aired it in China seeking to offend every sensibility of the Chinese communist governments and then got banned from from being there, losing out on all future profits for that show. But that's fearlessness. That's being courageous in the face of a fear and adversity and doing the right thing. So as president, I want to stand up for that. [20:22:01] But in the meantime, before we're there, all of us have the chance to do that and not just to stand with those in Hong Kong. It could be the weavers also in China, the Rohingya in Myanmar, any oppressed minority, they're standing up for their rights. This should be the business of the United States to have their backs. And so let's make sure that we all raise our voice in doing that. [20:22:22] Thanks for the question. Yeah. [20:22:25] I'm starting to see some awesome valley, but I now see the issues that have happened. The most big issue is also health care in communities. [20:22:36] I'm wondering questions about health care in rural communities. We are seeing so many rural hospitals and rural clinics closed down all over America. And it is speeding up the death of so many of these small communities, you see enrollment in their public schools beginning to decline harder to attract teachers and public servants there. [20:23:03] The hospital goes away as well. How could you talk your child into moving back after they've achieved their their college degree? Begun their career? How can you attract new talent in your community if you cannot literally provide for their health or for their education? So making an investment in rural health care in America, making sure that our Medicare reimbursement rates are higher to attract doctors and other providers to be able to be there and deliver care for their constituents. [20:23:33] Making sure that whether it's Alabama or Texas or Georgia, when we're talking about health care, we're also talking about reproductive care and not just. But this is important. Safe legal access to an abortion, but safe legal access to a cervical cancer screening, which could save your life. Safe legal access to any medical care at all in states like ours that refused to expand Medicaid, where we are at the epicenter of this maternal mortality crisis that I just described, especially deadly in these rural communities where you have to drive hundreds of miles, in some cases many hours to get that care that could save your life. [20:24:10] So making that investment partnering not only is the right thing to do morally, it will lead to the renewal of these small rural communities. And I think it will produce a return far in a way greater than that initial cost or investment. So committed to doing that as well. Yes. [20:24:27] Jason Barnes, first of all, thank you. I work at Alabama State and I've brought some of my students here. They're in the room and I've just been thinking about them and preparing act. My question and my biggest thing is, are these students attend a historically black college university, Alabama state. Thank you for doing that. [20:24:45] I'm sorry. I want to go back a bit. [20:24:52] The biggest thing that I want to talk about is funding. ABC News have lack in funding compared to the UW Y counterparts, and they produce a number one, the best and most well educated African-Americans in this country. And what they're lacking and what these freshmen and sophomores and juniors and seniors are lacking is funding in their programing on their schools are falling apart. They're dilapidated, the buildings are old and they need this leg up. We just saw on that the Senate was on the floor with a 10 or 50 million dollar funding for HPC use, but that split between one hundred and one university. Right. What can you do to address this? [20:25:33] Couple of thoughts. First of all, I agree with the premise of the question. Extraordinary value for America at large. [20:25:41] For. For our economy, for ingenuity, for innovation, for everything that makes us proud of who we are. And we see that at HBC use, too. You're absolutely right. Their endowments are much smaller than we see at other colleges and universities across the country, meaning that it is very often for students far more expensive to attend an HBC to higher levels of student loan debt graduating from an HBC. How do we meet this challenge? [20:26:08] We could begin by doubling that amount that you just described that was being debated on the Senate floor and then adding an additional over the next 10 years. Five hundred billion dollars to HBC use another minority serving institutions in large part, two to train professionals across all disciplines. But I'm especially interested in those who are interested in public education. I mentioned the disparity in criminal justice in this country. [20:26:37] I didn't know until I listen to those experiences that it begins not in high school when I thought about that schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline, but when a child is four or five years old in a kindergarten classroom, four or five times as likely to be disciplined or suspended or expelled if that is a child of color versus a white child in the same classroom, not only do we need equality in educational funding, that's part of what we're talking about. [20:27:00] We need true equity in education in America. And if we have more teachers who look like the students in front of them, we get far better results going forward. And not just addressing the disparity in discipline, but in educational attainment and outcomes. Again, great for those students and their families. Wonderful for this entire country. So by making those investments in HBC use, again, the American taxpayer gets an extraordinary return on the investments that they have made. [20:27:29] And by going to the HBC use, where we've held town hall meetings just like these, I see that value right. Right in front of me. And I want to make sure that as we discuss plans to make higher education more affordable, more accessible, more available. We do not do this at the expense of HB S. use. And when we talk about the cost of education, that it not just be tuition, that we include room and board and books. [20:27:55] And for those who've already gone to an HBC, you have incurred student loan debt and are having a hard time paying it back. They dedicate any part of their lives to public service, teaching in a classroom, working in a V.A. to take care of veterans who put their lives on the line for this country. [20:28:10] Then we will clear completely their student loan debt so they can focus on that public service and get ahead in their lives. So thanks for the question. Appreciate that, sir. Y'all glad you called me congressman. [20:28:25] You have one of the strongest positions in terms of gun control, and I applaud that. As a veteran of the Vietnam era and a medic and now a practitioner of physical medicine being down here from Rhode Island, the lecturer at ASU in that capacity. I don't think you go far enough because we do not need basically combat weaponry in our society. And even though you have a buyback program, that should be a forfeiture program, because this is a public health issue in our society at this point in time in terms of saturation of what we have for guns in our society. [20:29:07] And yet we're dampened in terms even where physicians can't talk about it with their patients. So I applaud you and all I can say is encourage you to go forward with that position because we need that in our society. [20:29:21] I've got to tell you, the moment that we decide that we are going to be more afraid of the parents who lost children or parents who are afraid they're going to lose their children, and we are of the NRA or the politics or the polling or the outcomes in one given election or race, that that's the moment that we're able to achieve true gun sense in this country. Begin saving lives and a lot of the terms in which you put it and your basis. [20:29:48] As a veteran who understands what those weapons of war do to the human body is really powerful. And I just encourage you to continue to share that with people across the country. And I think they then can see the distinction between a handgun, a shotgun, a hunting rifle, the things you use to Hunter to defend yourself in your home. And there's something that was uniquely designed for use on a battlefield. And it's one to make sure that all of our fellow Americans understand that it's a different thing in the sport of it and the damage of it. [20:30:18] That's right. Right. We have time for two more hours here, and then you're going to be our last guest, something you missed. [20:30:28] So you mentioned some issues with climate change and the health care system. How would you address renewable resources like solar, these things of that nature, as well as kind of fight lobbying with big pharma, big fossil fuels. [20:30:47] Know. [20:30:50] I think in your question, you're you're hoping to also explain why we have to make progress on some of these issues. Everything that we know today, more or less muscle medals on climate change in 2019. We knew in 1979, we knew the planet was cooking. We knew that it was not God, not Mother Nature. It was all of us. Our emissions or accesses our inaction in the face of the science. We didn't move forward. Why is that? [20:31:15] Because corporations in this country are able to purchase not just access to lawmakers, not just influence, but outcomes. Literally the legislation that passes and is signed into law. What's the answer to that in this campaign? We don't accept contributions from political action committees or PACs or corporations or special interests or lobbyists. I also sign the fossil fuel pledge which says I won't take any money from the executives of these fossil fuel corporations, so that any question about a real or perceived conflict of interest is addressed and we just focus on the solutions. [20:31:51] Which was the first part of your question. We've got a fully free ourselves from that dependance on fossil fuels and fully embrace solar and wind and geothermal and the next generation of these technologies. And in the very high paying, high value, high skilled jobs that come with that, some country is going to figure out the future when it comes to these technologies. And I would much rather it be the United States than it be China or somewhere else. And then all the benefit accrues to us. And same is true. [20:32:21] You mentioned pharmaceutical corporations, the fact that we lost more than 70000 people last year to drug overdose deaths and the vast majority that began with a legal prescription marketed by Purdue Pharma or Johnson and Johnson with complete impunity. We are locking people up for marijuana possession, which no matter how much you use of it, I'm not I'm not advocating it. But no matter how much you use, you will not be able to kill yourself with marijuana. [20:32:45] And yet there is no one from Purdue Pharma, despite the tens of thousands of people who have died because of the marketing and production and sales and misleading materials that they send to providers who spent a single second in jail because they bought that access and that impunity. And so making sure that there are consequences. There is accountability not only helps us to stop that crisis, but it also makes sure that we bring down the cost of prescription drugs that we need to live our lives. [20:33:13] I mentioned insulin earlier. That's affordable for for all Americans. So I think that's that's the barrier that's been in our way. It's a barrier we've removed in this campaign, and that's a barrier that we will not have to deal with. If I'm president of the United States, thanks for asking. I appreciate. Very great. Thank you. [20:33:29] Last question. OK. Hi there. Hi. My name is Rachel Williams. [20:33:33] I am president of as you Democrats Am. I can't do it. So it's lovely to see you wearing a hat thing tonight. I'm from Washington, D.C. and I've been here for about four years. And the biggest issue that I've seen people here encounter is not technically job opportunity, but job quality. The minimum wage here is set at 25, which is extremely low for people trying to take care of their kids, going to school, pay their bills. Of course, she held at 725 is just not a suitable wage for the way these people work. So what is your. Your. I don't know. Maybe this solution to not only giving the people jobs, but giving people careers. [20:34:21] We mentioned access to higher education earlier. That certainly has to be part of the answer when the cost puts out out of reach for millions of our fellow Americans than their ability to find that career. A job that pays a true living wage, not seven dollars and twenty five cents an hour is diminished. So making it free for two years at an associate's degree, junior college, community college to debt free for tuition, room board and books for a four year degree. [20:34:53] And then, as we mentioned earlier, forgiving debt for public service. That will do a lot to make sure that more people can earn at a higher level and really have that function and purpose in their lives, a dignity that might be missing for far too many. I think if at the same time we elevate the role and the power of unions in America, I think about the apprenticeships that that they can create and those apprenticeships debt free allow you to command a skill that allows you to command a career going forward. [20:35:24] I think that's really important. If you were to compliment those two policies with a minimum wage, it's a living wage. So fifteen dollars an hour as the floor below, which you could pay no American. Right. You can only go above that paid family leave in the workplace, which is so important. Health care, which we mentioned earlier. And then and then there's this an end to. [20:35:48] To state the obvious as as a white man in this country, I've not experiences, but Latinos in America are making 53 cents on the dollar that the white man makes black women in America, 61 cents on the dollar that a white man makes in this country, and that is in 2000 and nineteen. [20:36:06] So we ended discrimination in the workplace, discrimination in all forms. Those that I just described, the fact that in some of our states you can be fired for being gay. And though that's not okay, it is perfectly legal today. Then we're going to give everyone an opportunity to advance and to do well. And we know that when they do well, it's the entire country does well. Last last idea. We know that African-American women are creating and growing small businesses at 14 times the rate of the national economy. [20:36:40] We know that black women have been locked out of capital in this country through redlining and other discriminatory lending practices in America. So under our administration, these community development finance institutions, we're gonna make sure they have the capital to deploy out into the community to make sure that women of color in particular, who are growing jobs not just for themselves, but for their employees who come from every walk of life and every part of the country are successful going forward. I think I think we do all of that. We address that challenge that you just raised. And we also, I think, raise the quality of life in America and the prospects for this economy to truly work for it for everyone. [20:37:19] Thank you for asking the question. Thank you all for having me out there.

KANO, NIGERIA - JUNE 15: Cow skin, popularly known as Kpomo, Ponmo or Kanda, is a favorite of many Nigerians. Hides of cows, goats, and camels undergo processes at the Abbatuwa animal market in Kano, Nigeria to become a traditional food ingredient known as "Kpomo". The skins which are transformed into food ingredients after various processes such as soaking, drying, and smoking, are sold and contribute significantly to the local economy. Once the hides processed, kpomo is used in various Nigerian dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces, to add flavor, texture, and richness to the meal. It is widely consumed and enjoyed in Nigerian cuisine. Nigeria has proposing a ban on the consumption of cow skin for lacking nutritional value. In July 2019, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warned Nigerians to be careful when buying kpomo(Footage by Zulyadain Isa Bilo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

CBS POOL FTG MUHAMMAD ALI MEMORIAL SERVICEH/T JAKE INGRASSIA, PAOLA CONTARDO AND SUNNY CHOO WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL 15;10:47 Bill Clinton walks in 15;11;45 -- service starts 15;11;49 >> All praises due to the lord god of the world. Now please be seated, ladies and gentlemen. In accordance with Muslim tradition, and consistent with the wishes of Muhammad Ali, may god have mercy on him. We begin this program with a brief recitation from the Koran, the scripture of the muslims. A young Imam of the midtown mosque in Memphis, Tennessee, where he's spearheading a neighborhood renewal effort in one of the most blighted neighborhood in Memphis and that effort is centered around the mosque, one of the few African-American graduates of the university. He will share with us a few verses from the Koran. 15;12;50 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Hamza Abdul Malik. [ Applause ] [ Speaking foreign language ] 15;13;12 [ Speaking foreign language ] [ Speaking foreign language ] 15;17;10 (shot of Ali's wife) >> Now with the translation of those verses we would like to bring to the stage the second generation daughter of Syrian immigrants. She's an excellent student. In her spare time, in recent years, she raises money to provide medical supplies, surgical instruments and other forms of medical assistance for Syrian refugees fleeing from the horror of the current conflict in that land and we pray that almighty god brings it to a succession soon. 15;18;00 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Ia Kutma. [ Applause ] 15;18;14 >> In the name of god, the most gracious, the most merciful, truly those who say our lord is god and our upright the angels will descend upon them saying, have neither fear nor sadness, but rather, rejoice in this paradise that you have been promised. We are your allies in this lower life in the hereafter. Where you will have your heart's desire and you will have whatever you ask for. Hospitably from the one most forgiving, most merciful. Who is more beautiful in speech than the one who invites to god and does righteous works saying, truly, I am submitted to god? For good and evil are not equal. 15;19;13 Repel ugliness with beauty and behold the one between you and whom there was enmity is transformed into a warm friend. But no one arrives at the station without great patience and immense fortune. Through prostration, chapter 41 verses 30 to 35. Thank you. [Applause] 15;19;45 (shot of Ali's daughter) >> I forgot to mention that she is a louisvillean, a proud resident of this city. [Applause] 15:20 15;20;05 >> Oh, god, miss this day of ours, you are our protector. What an excellent protector, an excellent helper. Honorable president Bill William J. Clinton, distinguished guests, viewing audience, on behalf of the Ali family, and the city of Louisville, Kentucky, the home of the people's champ. [Applause] 15;20;50 >> Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali. [Chanting] Ali, Ali. 15;21;00 >> We're dealing with time here, folks. Louisville, Kentucky, admirably led by mayor Greg fisher, I would like to welcome you. Give it up for the mayor. [Applause] >> I would like to welcome you to this memorial service for the people's champ, Muhammad Ali. And this time, we would like to introduce our first speaker. Dr. Reverend Kevin W. Cosby. [Applause] 15;21;50 >> Were it not for time, since Cosby rhymes with Ali, we would we would say, Cosby, Cosby, but time doesn't permit. Reverend Cosby is senior pastor of St. Steven church in Louisville, Kentucky. Due greatly to his dynamic bible teachings his congregation has grown over the long years of his ministry. Reverend Cosby combines passion, wit, and intellect as the foundation of the inspirational ministry that is transformed the lives of thousands of individuals. Reverend Cosby. [Applause] 15;22;39 >> Dr. Reverend Kevin W. Cosby: Thank you. I looked into the dictionary for the word, fidelity. And it had two words. Lonnie Ali. [Applause] 15;22;57 >> In 1967, nine months prior to his assassination and martyrdom, Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. Was interviewed by merv griffin on "The merv griffin show". Merv griffin asked Dr. King a relevant question. He said, Dr. King, what has been the greatest affect and impact that the civil rights struggle has had on the Negro? Dr. King paused and said, besides the dismantling of barriers that prohibited the Negro from free access, the greatest and most profound effect that the civil rights struggle had was that it infused in the Negro something that the anything Negro needed all along. 15:24:07 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;24;00 And that was a sense of somebodiness. You will never be able to appreciate what Dr. King meant when he said, the negro needed a sense of somebodiness until you understand the 350 years of nobodiness that was infused into the psyche of people of color. Every sacred document in our history, every hallowed institution, conspired to convince the African in America that when god made the African, that god was guilty of creative malfeasance. 15;24;55 All of the documents from the constitution said to the Negro, that you're nobody. The constitution said that we were three-fifths of a person. Decisions by the supreme court, like the dred Scott decision, said to the Negro, to the African, you had no rights that whites were bound to respect. And even Francis Scott key, in his writing of "The star spangled banner" we sang, verse one, but in verse three he celebrates slavery by saying, no refuge can save the harrowing enslaved from the sorrow of night or the death of the grave. Every institution from religion to entertainment, from Amos and Andy to Jane and tarzan, infused in the psyche of the Negro, that he was inferior. 15;26;06 But something happened to the depression generation and the World War II generation of African-Americans. Jackie Robinson picked up his bat and hit a ball and the Brooklyn dodgers win the pennant. Joe Louis dismantles the pride of Aryan supremacy by knocking out max melling in 124 seconds. Jesse Lewis runs at ambulatory speed and wins four gold medals. Rosa parks sits on a bus in 1955 and a young seminary student from Boston university stands up and takes the complex ideas of _____ and dips it chocolate so big mama can understand it. 15;27;02 And then from Louisville. [Cheering] -- Emerged the civil-tongued poet who took the ethos of somebodiness to unheard of heights. Before James brown said, I'm black and I'm proud. Muhammad Ali said I'm black and I'm pretty. [Laughter] 15:27:38 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;27;44 >> Black and pretty was an oxymoron. Blacks did not say pretty. The first black millionaire in this country was not Oprah but madam C.J. Walker who made products in order to help black people escape their Africanity. But Muhammad Ali said I'm proud. I'm pretty. I'm glad of who I am. And when he said that, that infused in Africans a sense of somebodiness. 15;28;25 To extrapolate Muhammad Ali from the times in which he lives is called historic presentism. It is to talk about George Washington and not talk about the American revolution to talk about Abraham Lincoln and not talk about the civil war. It's to talk about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and not talk about the depression and World War II. Our brother, Muhammad Ali, was a product of a difficult time. And he dared to love black people. 15;29;05 At a time when black people had a problem loving themselves. [Applause] He dared. He dared to affirm the beauty of blackness. He dared to affirm the power and the capacity of African-Americans. He dared to love America's most unloved race. And he loved us all, and we loved him because he -- we knew he loved us. He loved us all. Whether you lived in the suburbs or whether you lived in the slums. Whether you lived on the avenue or whether you lived in an alley. Whether you came from the penthouse or whether you lived in the projects. Whether you came from Morehouse or whether you had no house, whether you were high yellow or boot black, Muhammad Ali loved you. Our city is known for two things. It's known for Muhammad Ali, it is known for the Kentucky derby. 15;30;19 We hope you will come back and visit our city. The first Saturday in may, we hope you will place a bet on one of the horses, but if you do, please know the rules. What will happen is the horses start in the starting gate and then the signal will be given think will run in the mud for two minutes. And the winner will then be led to the winner's circle where a right of roses will be placed around the horse's neck. We want you to make a bet but please know the rules. You cannot bet for the horse once it's in the winner's circle. You have to bet for the horse while it's still in the mud. [Applause] 15;31;09 And there are lot of people, a lot of people who will bet and have bet on Muhammad Ali when he was in the winner's circle. But the masses bet on him while he was still in the mud. [Applause] Kareem abdul-jabbar stood with him when he was in the mud, Jim brown stood with him when he was in the mud. Bill Russell stood with him when he was in the mud. Howard cosell stood with him when he was in the mud. 15:31:24 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;31;51 Please don't mishear me. I am not saying that Muhammad Ali is the property of black people. He is the property of all people. [Applause] But while he is the property of all people, let us never forget that he is the product of black people in their struggle to be free. [Applause] I went looking for Jesus on a poor west-end street, looking that I would find him as he walked around with men and women with stumbling feet. People who had their heads bowed low because they were broke and had nowhere to go. But then I went looking for Jesus, way in the sky. Thinking he would wear a robe that would dazzle my eye. When suddenly, Jesus came walking by with stumbling feet because he had been hanging with the poor on a west-end street. [Applause] 15:33:06 (shot of Ali's wife and family) 15;33;10 The Muhammad Ali of my childhood had a shuffle but as he grew older he walked with shuffling feet. And I will submit to you he walked with shuffling feet not because of Parkinson's disease but he walked with shuffling feet because he hanged out with the folk in west Louisville who had shuffling feet. Peace and god bless you. [Applause] 15;33;47 (shot of Ali's wife applauding and family standing up) 15;34;00 >> Yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes. Don't give a teenager a telephone and don't give a preacher a microphone. [ laughter ] 15:34:15 (shot of Ali's wife) >> We'd like to bring Senator Orrin Hatch to the stage, now in this seventh term as Utah's senator, one of Utah's senators, he is the most senior Republican in the senate, author of some of the most far-reaching legislation in recent decades. Senator hatch is a seasoned and distinguished public servant. We're deeply honored by his presence today. [Applause] 15;35;00 >>Senator Orrin Hatch: Reverend, that was really good. It's hard for this poor old senator to have to follow that is all I can say. Well, the head of the first fight was Sonny Liston, and Muhammad Ali stood before a crowded pack of reporters and told the world unapologetically who he was. I'm the greatest. That's what he said. But this simple proclamation all took the history and -- Ali took the history and wrote his own title in the textbooks. He was not Muhammad Ali, the prize fighter. Or even the world champion. He was Muhammad all the greatest. His daughters dismissed this as bragging but Ali wasn't talking trash. He was speaking truth. And he was in the world of boxing, he truly was the greatest. [Applause] 15;36;13 (tight shot of ali's wife) 15;36;18 >> With the cut-throat quickness of a street fighter, and the simple grace of a ballerina, Ali moved with the killings like agility and punched with herculean strength. But to assume that Ali's greatness stems solely from his athletic prowess is to see half the man. Ali was great not only as an extraordinary fighter. He was a committed civil rights leader, an international diplomat, a forceful advocate of religious freedom, and effective emissary of Islam. He was something. He was caring as a father, a husband, a brother, and a friend. Indeed, it is as a personal friend that it witness Ali's greatness for myself.I first met Muhammad Ali 28 years ago. Almost to the day, to this day. 15:37:09 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) 15;37;21 I was in my senate office and an assistant said you have a visitor, and I was really surprised that it was none other than the champion himself. The friendship we developed was puzzling to many people, especially to those who saw only our differences. I might say that where others saw a difference, Ali and I saw kinship. We were both dedicated to our families. And deeply devoted to our faiths. He took Islam, and I to the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. We were both products of humble backgrounds and hard scrabble youth. Ali grew up poor here in Louisville and I grew up poor in Pittsburgh. True, we were different in some ways but our differences fortified our friendship. 15;38;26 They did not define it. I saw greatness in Ali's ability to look beyond the horizon and our differences. To find common ground. This shared sensibility was the foundation of a rich and meaningful relationship that I will forever treasure. One of my fondest memories of our friendship when Ali joined news the Salt Lake -- going to listen to the Salt Lake Mormon tabernacle choir. I have to say, it was the same Mormon tabernacle choir -- Ali loved music, and he enjoyed the choir's performance, but he seemed most excited to share his own religious beliefs with those who came to hear the Christian hymns. Ali attracted big crowds that day, and as he always did, and he gave everyone autographed pamphlets explaining his Muslim beliefs. 15;39;31 Hundreds of mormons lined up to grab the pamphlets, and of course I took one for myself. I respected his deeply held convictions just as he respected mine. In our relationship it was anchored by our different faiths. Ali was open to goodness. In all of its diverse realities and varieties. On another occasion, I took Ali to primary children's hospital in Salt Lake City. We visited with downtrodden children who perhaps had never smiled a day in their lifetime. Until Ali showed up. Ali held those kids and looked into their eyes. They would grin from ear to ear. These are kids that never smiled. They were so pained. The nurses were astounded. Never before had they seen someone who had connected so immediately and profoundly with these sick children. 15;40;35 Ali had a special way with kids as we all know. He may have been a tough and tenacious man in the ring, but he was a compassionate and tender around those that he loved. 15:40:48 (shot of Ali's wife) Through all of his ferocity as a fighter, Ali was also a peacemaker, a particular radio host in Utah berated me constantly on the air waves. Week after week. One day the host asked if I were arrange for Ali to meet Utah's former middleweight champion, James Fulmer, for a joint interview. Ali agreed. Knowing that the appearance could help me build some good will, but he also was very interested in meeting James(?) as well. It was an unforgettable experience. Here were two champions, face-to-face, reminiscing about some of the best fights the world has ever seen, and I have to say, in the process, Ali claimed that radio host -- well, he charmed the radio host so much on my behalf, gently transforming an unrepentant antagonist into a respectful starring partner. 15;41;52 So dedicated was Ali to our friendship, that he joined me on the campaign trail during several election cycles. He came to Utah year after year to raise funds for a charity benefiting needy women, women in jeopardy, and families in our state. Ali didn't look at life through the binary lens of Republican and Democrat. So common today. He saw worthy causes and shared humanity. And always willingness to put principles ahead of partisanship, he showed us all the path to greatness. And I'll never forget that greatness. Nor will I ever forget him. [Applause] 15;42;47 There there were many faces to Ali's greatness. His abilities as a boxer, his charisma as a public figure, his benevolence as a father and as a friend. All of these made Ali great. But there was something else that made him the greatest. Ali was the greatest because, as a debilitated and unbroken champion for later years he put is to a greatness beyond ourselves, greatness beyond even Ali. He pointed us to the greatness of god. [Applause] 15;43;35 God raised up Ali to be the greatest fighter in the world of all-time. Yet he allowed Ali to wrestle with Parkinson's disease, an inescapable reminder we're all mortal, and that we are all dependent on god's grace. Ali believed this himself. He once told me, god gave me this condition to remind me always that I am human, and that only he is the greatest. [Applause] 15;44;12 Ali was an unsurpassed symbol of our universal dependence on the divine. He was the greatest because he reminded us all who truly is the greatest. God, our creator. I'm eternally grateful for my special bond with this special man, and for my friendship with his beloved wife, who I love dearly. She is one of the great women in this world. [Applause] 15;44;44 (shot of wife) She was dedicated to the very end and I pray that Ali rested peacefully and Ali will rest peacefully the presence of the greatest of all, even our gods. I can bear testimony that I believe in god. I believe that we're here on Earth for a reason. I believe that this Earth life is a time for us to do what is right for god and for our fellow men and women. I don't know that I've ever met anybody who did it any better than my friend, Muhammad Ali. [Applause] >> God bless you. God bless the family. 15;45;37 (shot of wife applauding) 15;45;45 >> Next we would like to welcome Monsignor Father Henry Kriegel to the stage. Father Kriegel has been instrumental -- has been the pastor of St. Patricks parish in Erie, PA. He was ordained in 1970 and named a domestic prebate with the title Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1991. His wisdom, scholraship and spiritual guidance is a source of solace and guidance for catholics and members of other faith communities far far beyond his Pennsylvania home. Father Kriegel. 15;46;35 >> Monsignor Father Henry Kriegel: Let us pray. Loving eternal god, as we gather today in prayer, we do so with an abiding sense of gratitude. Our gratitude knows no bounds as we thakn you for the gift of this good and gentle man. Muhammed Ali opened our eyes to the evil of racism, to the absurdity of war. He showed us with incredible patience that a debilitating illness need never diminish joy and love in our lives. He chided our consciences, he awakened in us a deeper sense of the need to respect one another, to set aside racial differences. The legendary fighter of all time in reality taught us to heal, rather than to fight. To embrace, rather than to turn away. To include, rather than to exclude. While proclaiming himself to be the greatest, he showed us that his greatness lied in his love and concern for others. Most particularly the marginalized, the suffering, the helpless, the hopeless. You gift of him has enriched us, has made us better people, has created a more gentle world. We dare not return him to you today without expressing our gratitude for the gift of him. Amen. 15;47;50 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;48;22 >> Next we will hear a few brief remarks from Dr. Timothy Gianotti. Dr. Gianotti is a professor of islamic studies at the university of waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He is equally at home, busying himself with the affairs of the Muslim community as he is sitting in the library and burrowing through books. A true public intellectual. He is the initial and principal islamic adviser to the Ali family. He has been instrumental in assuring that the last days of Muhammad's life, his burial, his bathing, his shrouding, and his burial today, his funeral and burial today, all were in accordance with the strictures of Muslim law. So now I'd like to bring to you the person I affectionately call, brother, doctor, Imam, Timothy Gianotti. [Applause] 15;49;58 >> Dr. Timothy Gianotti: In the name of god who is the loving nurturer of the creation, and the ever compassionate and ever merciful, I'd like to share a prayer today. This is a prayer adapted from a there divisional prayer of the prophet Muhammad. My god's peace and blessings be upon him. But before I do so I would just like to say to the family, to Lonnie, to everyone here, that serving Muhammad Ali has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. 15;50;50 (shot of Ali's wife) Oh, god, you who are the light of the heavens and the Earth, grant our brother Muhammad a light in his heart. A light in his earthly body, now restored to the Earth. A light in his grave. A light before him as he journeys on to you. A light in all that he has left behind in this world. A light to his right, and the lights to his left. Oh, god, increase him inlight. Grant him light. A light in his deeds in this world and a light in the hereafter. A light in the hearts of those whom he loved. And a light in the eyes of those who loved him. 15;52;05 A light in those whom he knocked down. And a light in those whom he lifted up. A light in his words which echo in our hearts. A light in the lives of all those whom he touched. A light in his children and a light in their mothers. 15:52:40 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) A light in his grandchildren. And a light in his devoted wife, Lonnie. Oh, lord, increase your servants in light. And give him light. And embrace him in light. And fill us all with light .[ Foreign foreign ] 15;53;10 >> You who are the light odd Earth, you who are the most merciful of all those who show mercy. [Applause] 15;53;38 >> Next we'll hear a few words from rabbi Michael Lerner. Rabbi Lerner is the editor of a magazine, as the magazine's name suggests, rabbi Lerner has dedicated his life to working, to heal and repair the world. Rabbi Lerner is never afraid of ruffling a few feathers so we asked him to be nice today. Rabbi Lerner. [Applause] 15;54;23 >>Rabbi Michael Lerner: We'll see about the feathers. [Foreign chanting] >> Master of compassion, god of compassion, send your blessings to Muhammad Ali and send your blessings to all who mourn for him, and send your blessings for all the millions and millions of people who mourn for him all over this planet. I come here speaking as representative of American Jews, and to say that American Jews played an important role of solidarity with the African-American struggles in this country, and that we today stand in solidarity with islamic communities in this country and all around the world. [Applause] 15;55;23 We will not tolerate politicians or anyone else putting down a Muslim and blaming muslims for a few people. [Cheers and applause] 15;55;40 (shot of Ali's wife and family standing up and clapping) (shot of Bill Clinton clapping) 15;55;50 We know what it's like to be demeaned. We know what it's like to have some -- a few people who act against the highest visions of our tradition, to then be identified as the value of the entire tradition. And one of the reasons that we in (?) magazine, a magazine of liberal and Progressive jews but also an interfaith magazine, have called upon the United States to stand up to the part of the Israeli government that is suppressing Palestinians, is that we as Jews understand that our commitment is to recognize that god has created everyone in god's image, and that everyone is equally precious. 15;56;33 And that means that Palestinian people as well as all other people on the planet. [Applause] I know the people of Louisville have a special relationship to Muhammad Ali, and I had a personal relationship in the '60s when both of us were indicted by the federal government and before our various stands against the war in Vietnam. I want to say that although he was cheered on as the heavyweight champion of the world, you know the truth is that in all the honor to him, that heavyweight champions of the world come and go, and sports heroes come and go. There was something about Muhammad Ali that was different. 15;57;24 At the key moment when he had that recognition, he used it -- to stand up to an immoral war and say, no, I won't go! [ Applause ] And it's for that reason that tens and millions of Americans who don't particularly care about boxing care about Muhammad Ali because he was a person who was willing to risk a great honor that he got and a great fame that he got to stand up for the beliefs that he had, to think truth to power when the rest of the people around him said, no, no, you're going to lose your championship and it was taken away from him for five years. But he stood up and was willing to take that kind of a risk because of that kind of moral integrity. [ Applause ] 15;58;22 So I want so say, how do we honor Muhammad Ali? The way to honor Muhammad Ali is to be Muhammad Ali today. That means us, everyone here and everyone listening, it's up to us to continue that ability to speak truth to power. We must speak out, refuse to follow the path of conformity to the rules of the game in life. We must refuse to follow the path of conformity. Tell the 1% who own 80% of the wealth of this country that it's time to share that wealth. Tell the politicians who use violence worldwide and then preach nonviolence to the oppressed, that it's time to end their drone warfare and every other form of warfare, to close our bases around the world, bring the troops home, tell those who committed mass incarceration that it's time to create a guaranteed income for everyone in our society. [ Applause ] 15;59;34 Tell judges to let out of prison the many African-Americans swept up by racist police and imprisoned by racist judges. [ Applause ] Many are in prison today for offenses like possessing marijuana that white people get away with all the time! [ Applause ] Tell our elected officials to imprison those who authorize torture and those who ran the big investment companies that caused the economic collapse of 2008. Tell the leaders of Turkey to stop killing the kurds. Tell Israeli prime minister Netanyahu that the way to get security is for Israel is to stop the occupation of the west bank and help create a Palestinian state. [ Applause ] 16;00;37 Tell the next president of the United States that -- tell the next president of the united States that she --- (shot of bill clinton smiling) Tell the next president of the united States that she should seek a constitutional amendment to make all national and state elects funds by congress and the state legislator and all other money be banned, all other money from companies companies and individuals and make it all public funding. 16;01;30 >> Tell her that the way to achieve homeland security is not for us to try new ways of domination, the strategy of domination in the world of the other to get security has been tried for the last ten thousand years and doesn't work. The way to get security is for the United States to become known as the most generous and caring country in the world, not the most powerful. [Applause] 16;02;00 We can start with a global and domestic plan to once and for all ended global and domestic poverty, homelessness, hunger, inadequate education, inadequate health care. So, I want to, as chair of the interfaith network of spiritual Progressives -- by the way, spiritual progressives.org come and join us -- I want to affirm our commitment to the well-being of all muslims on the planet as well as the people of all faiths and secular humanists as well. We wish to pay honor to muslims of the world as the continue today the fast of Ramadan, and join with them in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali, a great -- peace be upon him, peace be upon the prophet now ham -- Muhammad and peace on humanity and peace on all of us, amen. [Cheers and applause] 16;03;20 [Chanting] Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali. Ali. >> Time, time, time is not on our side. After that speech, I have to edit my initial remarks, honorable first man William J. Clinton. Chief Sidney hill in 2002, Sidney Hill was selected as Tadodaho, or principal spiritual leader of its people a true friend of the earth and beloved to all who know him, he is a leader whose spirituality is coupled with a passionate pursuit of justice. We are honored that he has come here today to share a few words and a few thoughts with us. Chief Hill. [ Applause ] 16;04;44 >>Chief Sidney hill: [ Speaking only in foreign language ] 16;06;16 >>This is chairman Stevens with us, United Nation from our alliance (?) Nation. Translation: he said, my relatives, it is my responsibility to pick up the words for (?) the people of the longhouse. They wish you well. They want you to be at peace of mind. Now this great darkness that has happened to us, you must understand that you who have gathered us here, that his road is straight. Peacefully, he will arrive at his land. [foreign language] Our creator. It is the same as you call him, Allah. 16;07;30 These were the words. He took the family, your relatives and friends of Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali was the leader among men. And a champion of the people. He fought for the people of color, yet he was man of peace and principle. A man of compassion, who used his great gifts for the common good. The spirit has a clear path to the creator. 16;08;27 To the spiritual leader, six nation iroquois confederation. And myself, faithkeeper, turtle clan, under the council of chiefs, have journeyed here today to add our voice to this congregation of world leaders, in honor of his work, and for the right and dignity of people of color and the common man. [Applause] 16;09;15 He was always in support of the indigenous people of this hemisphere in our quest for our inherent land rights, self-determination, identity, and collective right that include the natural world. We know what he was up against. Because we have had 524 years of survival training ourselves. [Applause] 16;09;50 (shot of Ali's wife clapping) In 1978, a congressman from the state of Washington put a bill into congress to terminate our treaties with the United States. An Indian nations walked from California to Washington, DC, in protest. Muhammad Ali marched into Washington, DC with us. [Applause] 16;10;31 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) 16;10;38 He was a free, independent spirit. He stood his ground with great courage and conviction. And he paid a price. And this country did, too. And we all did. Values and principles will determine one's destiny. And the principles of a nation will do the same. Poor people do not have many options. You fighters know what I'm talking about. He said that ring was Ali's path to his destiny. He said he would be heavyweight champion of the world, and he was. Three times. This is the fourth time, right here, right now. [Applause] 16;11;55 On his journey in life, he lived and learned the hard way. He brought a light into this world. My world. Our world. And that light will shine a long, long time. [ Applause ] Peace, brother. Peace. And on behalf of my friend Ernie and the indigenous people everywhere, peace. Thank you. [Applause] 16;12;58 >> We introduce chief hill, and his words were translated by Chief Oren Lyons who was born into a traditional indigenous family, and grew up on the native reservations of upstate New York. In 1970 he became the chief and faithkeeper of the turtle clan of the onondaga nation. His scholarship, stewardship and leadership is a source of benefit and great blessing for all who know him. Now he want to introduce Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport, Rabbi Rapport is senior rabbi here of the temple here in Louisville where he has been a leader in interfaith work. He has the passion for teaching youth, and in fact it is his work with youth that let him to cross paths with Muhammad Ali. His religious leadership focuses on compassion, care, and working together was all to build a better world. Rabbi Rapport. [Applause] 16;14;24 >>Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport: This is a reading from our memorial prayer on yom kippur. Our day of atonement. Our most sacred day of the year. It was written men decades ago by rabbi Fein, civil rights leader who could never have known when he composed these words he was writing a eulogy for Muhammad Ali. 16;14;49 Birth is a beginning. And death a destination. And life is a journey, from childhood to maturity, and youth to age. From innocence to awareness, and ignorance to knowing. From foolishness to discretion. And then perhaps to wisdom. From weakness to strength, and strength to weakness. And often back again. From health to sickness, and back we pray to health again. From offense to forgiveness. From loneliness to love. From joy to gratitude. And pain to compassion, from grief to understanding. From fear to faith. From defeat to defeat to defeat, until looking backward or ahead we see that victory lies not at some high place along the way, but in having made the journey, stage by stage, a sacred pilgrimage. 16;15;50 Birth is a beginning. And death, a destination. And life is a journey. The sacred pilgrimage to life everlasting. We say words of prayer and they remain words, until we encounter a person who embodies these words and makes them real. I've said these words many times before. At funerals and memorial services. But never have I felt them come to life and speak of a single shining soul as I do today. Muhammad Ali was the heart of this city. The living, breathing, embodiment of the greatest that we can be. 16;16;33 (shot of Ali's wife) He was our heart, and that heart beats here still. [Applause] 16;16;47 Let me tell you a story you already know. It's one of those stories about Ali being gracious to a stranger that so many of us have told, so many times, and in so many we we sometimes forget the lessons these stories were intended to teach us. It's a story Honna tells about her father towards the end of their book, the soul of the butterfly. Honna's driving her father to a book store on one Sunday to pick up some bibles and korans for a project that he's working on. They pass an elderly man standing by the road with a bible in one hand and his thumb in the air with the other. They offer him a ride. And he thanks them, saying that he is on his way home from church. He only needs to go a few miles down the street where he can pick up a cab. Hanna asked where he lives help doesn't want to trouble them. He has no idea who is sitting in the front seat of the car. 16;17;48 Until Muhammad Ali turns around and says, it's no trouble at all. We're just on our way to a bookstore to by some bibles and korans. Once the man gets over meeting the greatest of all-time, he insists that he has three bibles in his house, and he would be pleased to give them to Ali in appreciation for the ride. Ali thanks him but says, he wants to pay for the bibles. The man says, no, the bibles were meant as a gift. Ali asked him what he does for a living. And it turns out the man had a stroke and has been forced into retirement. Ali then tries to hand him a big pile of money for the bibles. But the man refuses and this is where things get interesting. 16;18;37 Ali says, take the money, man, I'm trying to get into heaven.(laughter) 16;18;44 (shot of Ali's wife) And the man replied. So am I. Ali is not taking no for an answer. He says, if you don't take the money I might not get in. And the man replies, if I do take your money I might not get in. They arrive at his home, and the map invites him tomeet his wife of 30 years. He gives Ali the bibles. Ali slips the money under a napkin on the kitchen table. They're about to leave and Hannah gives the man her phone number and tells him to call him -- to call her if her needs a ride home from church again. Sitting in the car, Ali turns to his daughter and asks. Would you really go out of your way and pick him up and drive him home? And she says, yes. And with tears in his eyes, he says, that's me in you. [Applause] 16;19;52 (shot of Ali's wife holding back tears) 16;20;04 He says, you're on the road to heaven. Therein lies ally's greatness his ability to see something greater and his ability to inspire others to see such greatness' within themselves. There will never be another greatest like Muhammad Ali. But we together can now embody a measure of his kindness, and his compassion. We can say each of us in our hearts there's a little bit of Ali in me. [Applause] This week, we have mourned the loss and celebrated the life of a Louisville legend and a citizen of the world. And of all the words and all the ways, the most powerful moments have always been made in the voices of young people, repeated in prayer services, and chanted in the streets. I am Ali. I am Ali. I am not the fighter that Ali was. And I may not have the courage which he never lacked. And I am definitely not as pretty. (laughter) But in my heart, and in my hope, and in my prayers I am Muhammad Ali. [Applause] 16;21;36 >> When he say that in our hearts, when we live that in our lives, then we together can build a legacy worthy of the greatest of all-time. So say that now with me. In your heart, and in this room, I am Ali. I am Ali. [Applause] >> You know, one of the amazing things that we've witnessed during our time here in Louisville has been just so many stories of common, ordinary people. There's folks on the street, working in the hotels, the restaurants, virtually everyone has a story concerning how Muhammad Ali touched their lives. He came to my fourth grade class. He helped me out in this or that way. He came to visit me when I was sick. Just on and on and on. And collectively, those experiences, they become sinner ginnic, they become greater than the individual parts. And when we rose through the streets of the city today, I've witnessed something I've never, ever witnessed in my life. [ Applause ] 16;23;10 And I don't think I will ever witness again. I witnessed the power. In our muslim tradition we call it (foreign language) it might be loosely translated as sainthood, I witnessed the power of sainthood. [ applause] Venerable Utsumi is a member of the (foreign language) a Japanese Buddhist order dedicated to working for world peace through the practice of walking peace pilgrimages anti-nuclear weapon pilgrimages and the construction of peace pagodas all over the globe, he will be joined onstage by Sister Denise another member of the order and together they will share a traditional chant with us. 16;24;40 [Buddhist chants] 16:28:25 [Buddhist chants] 16;29;20 Now we will listen to a reading by , Ambassador Shabazz. Ambassador Shabazz is the oldest of six daughters born to el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (?) and Doctor Betty Shabazz. [applause] She probably shares that she is inspired by her parents, their parents, and those before them through the descending generations. The former prime minister of Belize recognized her as a key Ambassador in international cultural affairs and project development and in 2002 appointed her as ambassador at large, powerful and elegant we invite Ambassador Shabazz to read and share and inspire us. [ Applause ] 16:30;44 >>Ambassador Shabazz: Assalamu alaikum. May peace be upon us. All of us. As this is a homegoing celebration I find myself balanced between that of celebration and depletion, loss, that somehow or another, my breathing capacity has been weakened this past week so I ask all of you gathered and afar to please muster up and transmit a bit of your air to me in the memory of Muhammad Ali, thank you all. [ Speaking in foreign language ] WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SEVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL P2 16;31;44 And more as the globe centers at this very moment amidst the holy month of Ramadan where every two hours there's a time zone praying, and including Muhammad Ali and his family in your thoughts. Amidst that are the prayers of all faiths, all those touched, even those that don't claim a religion are feeling something right now in honor of the family and the memory of their father, husband. In the spirit of my parents, Malcolm X Shabazz and Dr. Shabazz, in the presence of my five younger sisters, our children and our grandchildren I would like to first honor his beloved wife, my sister, Lonnie Ali. [ Applause ] 16;32;53 (shot of Ali's wife) 16;32;59 For all the strengths that you know and that resonate beyond. Sometimes you do need a little help no matter how magnificent you are and indeed those that were with him, that loved him, his family members sustain that. His nine children, and I will name them, Maryam, rasheda, Muhammad Jr., Hana, Laila, asaad, Miya, khaliah as well as thier mothers, and the third generation of grandchildren who accompany them. [ Applause ] 16;33;47 (shot of Ali's wife) To his only brother, to his extraordinary example of a best friend, Howard Bingham and to his sister-in-law Marilyn. For all the grief that I am depleted by and others are feeling by his transition, there is none comparable to yours and I know that. On this day and those to come, as you live your waking days with a life without him here presently, very different. 16;34;37 (shot of Ali's wife) Photos, memories, all the things that we have on him that keep him going. He touched you differently and that has to be honored and recognized, never forsaken. [ Applause ] Just know that when you are the descendent of and in the presence of someone whose life was filled with principle, that the seed is in you so that you have to cultivate that responsibly as well. [ Applause ] This moment is very meaningful for me to have been amongst those chosen and blessed by Muhammad himself and affirmed by his wife Lonnie to take part by sharing a prose and a statement during this homegoing ceremony. While he and I had a treasured relationship, the genesis of his love was through the love for my father. Muhammad Ali was the last of a fraternity of amazing men bequeathed to me directly by my dad. 16;35;57 Somewhere between me turning 18, 19 or 20, they all seemed to find me somehow guided by an oath of a promise to my dad long after him leaving this Earth to search for me, and they did. Each one remaining in my life until joining the rest of the heavens beloved summit of fearless humanitarians. This included Muhammad Ali whom my dad loved as a little brother, 16 years his junior and his entrusted friend. There was a double-take when I came upon him, a once childhood per child and now looking right into his face, and you know how he is. He gives you that little dare like, is that you? [ imitates ] From the very moment we found one another, it was as if no time has passed as all despite all of the presumptions of division, despite all of the efforts at separation, despite all of the organized distancing. We dove right into all of the unrequited yet stated and duly acknowledged spaces we could explore and uncover privately. 16;37;18 We cried out loud. His belt, his grief for having not spoken to my dad before he left and then just as loudly we'd laugh about the best of stories, and some that can't be repeated. He was really funny. What was significant as brothers for my father and Ali was their ability to discuss openly anything, all facets of life, namely, the true meaning, as men with great responsibilities be bestowed to them of how to make an equitable difference in the lives of others. A unifying topic was faith and ecumenical faith, respect for faith, all faiths, even if belonging to one specific religion or none, the root of such being the gift of faith itself so in his own words he wrote, "We all have the same God. We just serve him differently. Rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, oceans, all have different names but they all contain water. So do religions have different names and yet they all contain truth. Truth expressed in different ways and forms and times. It doesn't matter whether you're a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew. When you believe in god, you should believe all people are part of one family. [ Applause ] 16;39;11 For if you love god, you can't love only some of his children. [ Applause ] His words and certainly ideals shared by both men, love is a mighty thing, devotion is a mighty thing and truth always reigns. Having Muhammad Ali in my life somehow sustained my dad's breath for me a little while longer. 51 years longer until now. (WEEPING) [Applause] I am forever grateful at our union on this Earth together allowed for me a continuum of shared understanding, preserved confidentialities and the comfort of living in his home town of Louisville Kentucky for the past six years. [ Applause ] 16;40;26 That was not a plan. And mostly for the gift of knowing and loving his wife and children forever forward as my own family, know that. As the last of the paternity reaches the heavens, my heart is rendered ever longingly for that tribe. The tribe of purpose, the tribe of significance, tribe of confidence, tribe of character, tribe of duty, tribe of faith, tribe of service. We must make sure that the principle of men and women, like Muhammad Ali and others, whom dedicated their very being to assure that you get to recognize your own glory, is sustained and passed on like that olympic torch. My dad would offer in state when concluding or parting from another, may we meet again in the light of understanding and I say to you with the light of that compass by any means necessary. 16;42;09 >> Ladies and gentlemen, representing the president of the United States and Mrs. Obama, miss Valerie Jarrett. [ Applause ] 16;42;24 >>Valerie Jarrett: Good afternoon. On behalf of president Obama and Mrs. Obama, I wish to express to you their deepest regret that they couldn't be with us here today as we celebrate the extraordinary life of Muhammad Ali. I first met Muhammad Ali over 45 years ago through his friendship with my uncle Jean and he, my uncle, would be so touched that his son gene is a pallbearer here today. Thank you, Lonnie. Because of my family connection, the president and first lady asked me if I would read this tribute to you, penned by president Obama. 16;43;15 It was 1980, an epic career was in its twilight. Everybody knew it. Probably including the champ himself. Ali went into one of his final fights an underdog. All of the smart money was on the new champ, Larry Holmes. And in the end, the oddsmakers were right. A few hours later, at 4 A.M., after the loss, after the fans had gone home and the sports writers were writing their final take, a sports writer asked a restroom attendant if he had bet on the fight. The man, black and getting on in years, said he had put his money on Ali. 16;44;05 The writer asked why. Why, the man said? Why? Because he's Muhammad Ali. That's why. He said, mister, I'm 72 years old and I owe the man for giving me my dignity. [ Applause ] To Lonnie and the Ali family, president Clinton and an arena full of distinguished guests, you are amazing. The man we celebrate today is not just a boxer or a poet or an agitator or a man of peace, not just a Muslim or a black man or a Louisville kid. He wasn't even just the greatest of all time. He was Muhammad Ali.The whole far greater than the sum of its parts. He was bigger, brighter and more original and influential than just about anyone of his era. [ Applause ] 16;45;30 You couldn't have made him up and, yes, he was pretty, too. He had fans in every city, every village, every ghetto on the planet. He was fettered by foreign heads of state, the beatles, British invasion took a detour to come to him. It seemed sometimes that the champ was simply too big for America. But I actually think that the world flocked to him in wonder precisely because, as he once put it, Muhammad Ali was America! Brash, defiant, pioneering, joyful, never tired, always game to test the odds. He was our most basic freedoms, religion, speech, spirit. 16;46;31 He embodied our ability to invent ourselves. His life spoke to our original sin of slavery and discrimination and the journey he traveled helped to shock our consciousness and lead us on a roundabout path towards salvation. And like America, he was always very much a work in progress. We do him a disservice to gauze up his story to sand down his rough edges to talk only of floating like butterflies and stinging like bees. Ali was a radical even in a radical of times. A loud and proud and unabashedly black voice in a Jim crow world. [ Applause ] 16;47;24 His jabs knocked some sense into us, yes, they did. Pushing us to expand our imagination and bring others into our understanding. Now, there were times when he swung a bit wildly. That's right. Wound up and accidently may have wronged the wrong opponent as he was the first to admit. But through all his triumphs and failures, Ali seemed to have achieved the sort of enlightenment and inner peace that we are all striving towards. In the '60s when other young men his age were leaving the country to avoid war or jail, he was asked why he didn't join them. He got angry. He said he'd never leave. His people, in his words, are here, the millions struggling for freedom and justice and equality and I could do a lot of help in jail or not right here in America. [ Applause ] 16;48;34 He'd have everything stripped from him, his titles, his standing, his money, his passion. Very nearly his freedom. But Ali still chose America. I imagine he knew that only here in this country could he win it all back. So he chose to help perfect a union where a descendent of slaves can become the king of the world. And in the process, in the process, lend some dignity to all of us. Maids, porters, students and elderly bathroom attendant and help inspire a young, mixed kid with a funny name to have the audacity to believe he could be anything, even the president of the United States! [ Applause ] 16;49;35 (shot of Ali's wife) Muhammad Ali was America. Muhammad Ali will always be America. What a man. What a spirit. What a joyous mightyful champion. God bless the greatness of Ali. God bless his family. And god bless this nation we love. Thank you very much. 16;50;28 ANNOUNCER VOICE: Ladies and gentlemen, Lonnie Ali. [ Applause ] >> Ali! Ali! Ali! 16;51;05 LONNIE ALI >> Assalamu alaikum. Peace be upon you. You know, I said something to Matt Lauer yesterday that I firmly believe Muhammad had something to do with all of this and I think we are right. Thank you all for being here to share in this final farewell to Muhammad. On behalf of the Ali family, let me first recognize our principal celebrant Imam _____ and Dr. Timothy Gianotti. We thank you for your dedication to helping us fulfill Muhammad's desire that the ceremonies of this past week reflect the traditions of his islamic faith. And as a family, we thank the millions of people who, through the miracle of social media, inspired by their love of Muhammad have reached out to us with their prayers. The messages have come to us in every language from every corner of the globe. From wherever you are watching, know that we have been humbled by your heartfelt expressions of love. It is only fitting that we gather in a city to which Muhammad always returned after his great triumphs. A city that has grown as Muhammad has grown. [ Applause ] 16;52;37 Muhammad never stopped loving Louisville. And we know that Louisville loves Muhammad. [Applause] We cannot forget a Louisville police officer, Joe Espy(?) Martin, who embraced a young 12-year-old boy in distress when his bicycle was stolen. Joe Martin handed young Cassius Clay -- sorry for tripping up that last word -- Clay, to a future in boxing he could scarcely have imagined. America must never forget that when a cop and an inner city kid talk to each other, then miracles can happen. [ Applause ] 16;53;49 Some years ago during his long struggle with Parkinson's in a meeting that included his closest advisors, Muhammad indicated when the end came for him, he wanted us to use his life and his death as a teaching moment for young people for his country and for the world. In effect, he wanted us to remind people who are suffering that he had seen the face of injustice, that he grew up in a segregation and that during his early life, he was not free to be who he wanted to be. But he never became embittered enough to quit or engage in violence. It was a time when a young black boy his age could be hung from a tree in Mississippi in 1955 whose admitted killers went free. 16;54;50 It was time when Muhammad's friends, people he admired, like Brother Malcolm and Dr. King were gunned down, and Nelson Mandela imprisoned for what they believed in. [ Applause ] For his part, Muhammad faced federal prosecution. He was stripped of his title and his license to box and he was sentenced to prison. But he would not be intimidated so as to abandon his principles and his values. 4:55-Lonnie emotional, almost cries 16;55;29 Muhammad wants young people of every background to see his life as proof that adversity can make you stronger. It cannot rob you of the power to dream and to reach your dreams. We built the Muhammad Ali center and that's the center of the Ali message. [ Applause ] Muhammad wants us to see the face of his religion, true Islam, as the face of love. It was his religion that caused him to turn away from war and violence, for his religion he was prepared to sacrifice all that he had and all that he was to protect his soul and follow the teachings of prophet Muhammad peace be upon you. 16;56;25 So even in death, Muhammad has something to say. He's saying that his faith required that he take the more difficult road. It is far more difficult to sacrifice oneself in the name of peace than to take up arms in pursuit of violence. [ Applause ] You know, all of his life, Muhammad was fascinated by travel. He was child-like in his encounter with new surroundings and new people. He took his world championship fights to the ends of the Earth, from the south pacific to Europe to the Congo. And, of course, with Muhammad, he believed it was his duty to let everyone see him in person because, after all, he was the greatest of all time. [ Applause ] The boy from grand avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, grew in wisdom and discovered something new, that the world really wasn't black and white at all. It was filled with many shades of rich colors, languages and religions. As he moved with ease around the world, the rich and powerful were drawn to him but he was drawn to the poor and the forgotten. [ Applause ] 16;57;53 Muhammad fell in love with the masses and they fell in love with him. In the diversity of men and their faiths, Muhammad saw the presence of god. He was captivated by the work of the dalai lama, by mother Teresa and church workers who gave their lives to protect the poor. When his mother died, he arranged for multiple faiths to be represented at her funeral and he wanted the same for himself. We are especially grateful for the presence of the diverse faith leaders here today. And I would like to ask them to stand once more and be recognized. [ Applause ] 16;58;35 Thank you. Thank you very much. You know, as I reflect on the life of my husband, it's easy to see his most obvious talents. His majesty in the ring as he danced under those lights, enshrined him as a champion for the ages. Less obvious was his extraordinary sense of timing. His knack for being in the right place at the right time seemed to be ordained by a higher power. Even those surrounded by Jim Crow, he was born into a family with two parents that nurtured and encouraged him. He was placed on the path of his dreams by a white cop and he had teachers who understood his dreams and wanted him to succeed. The olympic gold medal came and the world started to take notice. A group of successful businessmen in Louisville called the Louisville Sponsoring Group saw his potential, and helped him build a runway to launch his career. His timing was impeccable as he burst into the national stage just as television was hungry for a star to change the faith of sports. 17;00;02 You know, if Muhammad didn't like the rules, he rewrote them. His religion, his name, his beliefs were his to fashion, no matter what the cost. The timing of his actions coincided with a broader shift in cultural attitudes across America, particularly on college campuses. When he challenged the U.S. Government on the draft, his chance of success was slim to none. That the timing of his decision converged with a rising tide of discontent on the war. Public opinion shifted in his direction followed by a unanimous supreme court ruling in a stunning reversal of fortunes. He was free to return to the ring. When he traveled to central Africa to reclaim his title from George Foreman, none of the sports writers thought he could win. In fact, most of them feared for his life. But in what the Africans call the miracle at 4:00 A.M., he became a champion once more. [ Applause ] And as the years passed and those slowed by Parkinson's, Muhammad was compelled by his faith to use his name and his notoriety to support the victims of poverty and strife. He served as a UN messenger of peace and traveled to places like war-torn Afghanistan, he campaigned as an advocate for reducing the debt of third world debt. 17;01;42 He stunned the world when he secured the release of 15 hostages from Iraq. [ applause ] As his voice grew softer, his message took on greater meeting. He came full circle with the people of his country. When he lit a torch that seemed to create new light in the 1996 Olympics. [ Applause ] Muhammad always knew instinctively the road he needed to travel. His friends know what I mean when I say he lived in the moment. He neither dwelled in the past nor harbored anxiety about the future. Muhammad loved to laugh and he loved to play practical jokes on just about everybody. He was sure-footed in his self-awareness, secure in his faith and he did not fear death. Yet, his timing is once again poignant. His passing and his meaning for our time should not be overlooked. As we face uncertainty in a world and divisions at home, as to who we are as a people, Muhammad's life provides useful guidance. 17;02;58 Muhammad was not one to give up on the power of understanding, the boundless possibilities of love and the strength of our diversity. He counted among his friends people of all political persuasions, saw truth in all faith and the nobility of all races as witnessed here today. Muhammad may have challenged his government but he never ran from it or from America. [ Applause ] He loved this country and he understood the hard choices that are born of freedom. I think he saw a nation's soul measured by the soul of its people. For his part, he saw the good soul in everyone and if you were one of the lucky ones to have met him, you know what I meant. He awoke every morning thinking about his own salvation and he would often say, I just want to get to heaven and I've got to do a lot of good deeds to get there. And I think Muhammad's hope is that his life provides some guidance on how we might achieve for all people what we aspire for ourselves and our families. Thank you. [ Applause ] 17;04;38 ANNOUNCER>> Ladies and gentlemen, Maryam Ali. 17;04;50 MARYAM ALI >> Peace be with you, everyone here, and on behalf of the Ali family, I just want to say thank you to Louisville, Kentucky, all the love you've shown us in our lives has been unbelievable. Also, I want to thank the entire globe. My father was loved all over. The processional today was overwhelming but it was so beautiful. I just want to say we love you just like you love us. Thank you very much. [ Applause ] 17;05;23 As you know, my father loved poetry. He was always rhyming and promoting his fights and he had poems of the heart, spiritual poems and poems to promote and I just wrote a piece for him, in honor of him on behalf of my sisters and brothers and everyone who loved my father. It's called "Thank you our dear father." My heart was sore when your sick spirit soared. Your physical body is no more but my mind tells different tales of all that you taught me, your family and the masses. 17;06;02 Most importantly, the belief in god who created humanity to thrive in quality. You fought for a purpose to uphold the principle that we as a people have divine human rights. Staring right into the eyes of oppression, you proclaim your beautiful complexion. Your god-given skills, your independent will and the freedom of your faith. As your daughter, I am grateful for all of our conversations about men, women and relationships. Guiding me to first have a loving relationship with self, refusing anyone to chip away at my esteem and expect the respect of a queen. [ Applause ] Thank you, our dear father, for asking us to think about our purpose and showing us the beauty of service to others. We marvel that your sincere love for people as you treated all who approached you with dignity. Whether they were rich or poor, your kindness was unconditional. Never perceiving anyone as beneath you. 17;07;25 So many have shared personal stories about what you have meant to them as you have exemplified values and qualities that have enhanced their lives. If I had every dollar for every story, I could pay for the sky. Your family is so proud of the legacy you left behind. But I hope that the history of you can help turn the tide of self-hate and violence, because we are overwhelmed with moments of silence for tragic deaths. Here on the soil, American soil, in the Middle East or anywhere else in this world, we crave for peace. That peace that you rest in now. We will forever cherish the 74 years you graced this Earth. You will be greatly missed. But now we send you off in celebration, a blown kiss and prayers. As you enter your final round. God's last boxing bell will sound in heaven. I love you, we all love you. Thank you very much. 17;09;02 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Rasheda Ali Walsh. 17;09;20 RASHEDA ALI >> I'm, we are so honored that you have packed this room with your love. Thank you all. Thank you so much for being here today. To celebrate our father. You are the greatest father to us. And it was God's will to take you home. Your family will try our best to make you proud, and carry on your legacy of giving and love. You have inspired us in the world to be the best version of ourselves. May you live in paradise, free from suffering. You shook up the world in life. Now you're shaking up the world in death. 17;10;23 (shot of Ali's wife holding back tears) Daddy is looking at us now, right and saying, I told you I was the greatest! No one compares to you, daddy. You once said I know where I'm going. And I know the truth. And I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be who I am. Now you are free to be with your creator. We love you so much, daddy. Until we meet again, fly, butterfly, fly. [ Applause ] 17;11;45 ALI DINICOLA Hello. My name is Ali DiNicola. I was born on Muhammad Ali's birthday, I was named after him. He used to call me the little greatest. We can all learn from Muhammad's example of kindness and understanding. When Muhammad was asked how he would like to be remembered, he said I like to, I like for them to say he took a few cups of love, he took one tablespoon of patience, one teaspoon of generosity, one pint of kindness, he took one court of laughter, one pinch of concern and then he mixed willingness with happiness, he added lots of faith and he stirred it up well. He spread it over a span of a lifetime. And he served it to each and every deserving person he met. Thank you. 17;12;56 ANNOUNCER>>> Ladies and gentlemen, Natasha boncouer. Natasha boncouer: Before I begin, I would just like to say that I'm truly humbled and honored to be here. And I would like to thank the Muhammad Ali center and the Ali family for giving me the opportunity to speak. And to echo the voice that Muhammad has given me. So let me tell you a story about a man. A man who refused to believe that reality was limitation to achieve the impossible. A man who once reached up through the pages of a textbook and touched the heart of an 8-year-old girl. Whose reflection of herself mirrored those who cannot see past the color of her skin. But instead of drawing on that pain from the distorted reality, she found strength. Just as this man did when he stood tall in the face of pelting rain and shouted -- I am the disturbance in the sea of your complacency. And I will never stop shaking your waves. 17;14;30 And his voice echoed through hers. Through mine. And she picked up the rocks that were thrown at her and she threw them back with a voice so powerful that it turned all the pain that she had faced in her life into strength. And tenacity. And now that 8-year-old girl stands before you, to tell you that Ali's cry still shakes these waves today. 17;15;11 (shot of Ali's wife) That we are to find strength in our identities. Whether we are black or white or Asian or hispanic. Lgbt, disabled or able-bodied. Muslim, jewish, hindu or Christian. His cry represents those who have not been heard, and invalidates the idea that we are to be confirmed to one normative standard. That is what it means to defeat the impossible. Because impossible is not a fact, impossible is an opinion. Impossible is nothing! [ Applause ] 17;16;15 When I look into this crowd I smile. I smile to recognize that he is not really gone. He lives in you and he lives in me. And he lives in every person that he has touched in every corner of this world. (shot of Ali's wife) Reality was never a limitation for Ali. For us, just as every punch his opponents threw, impossible is never enough to knock us down. Because we are Ali. We are greater than the rocks or the punches that we throw at each other. We have the ability to empower and inspire and to connect and to unify and that will live on forever. So let me tell you a story about a man. His name is Muhammed Ali. He is the greatest of all time. He is from Louisville, Kentucky and he lives in each and every one of us. (shot of Ali's wife) And his story is far from over. Thank you. [ Cheers and applause ] [ Applause ] (shot of Ali's wife applauding) 17;18;26 ANNOUNCER>> Ladies and gentlemen, John Ramsey. 17;18;35 John Ramsey First of all, on behalf of my fellow Louisvillians to the Ali family, we offer our condolences our heartfelt prayers and for Lonnie Ali a very special prayer. We know that Muhammad was blessed with many gifts but none more precious than Lonnie Ali and we thank you so much. (shot of Ali's wife) You know, I've got to tell you, Louisville, when I was in the procession today and saw the tens and thousands of people and all of the warmth and the love and the respect that was shown for Muhammad, I've got to tell you, my heart swelled with pride. I know he was watching from above and I know he absolutely loved it. He-- I don't think he'd be surprised. I think Muhammad would say, Louisville, Kentucky, the greatest city of all times. I'm feeling good. Man. I tell you what, how can we lose with the stuff we use? [ laughter] I'm feeling so good, I think I'm going to make a comeback and change my name back to Walnut street. That's how good I feel. [ laughter ] 17;19;46 You know, for me, I always felt connected to Muhammad even before I had met him. You know, maybe it was the fact that I was a Louisville boy. Maybe it's the fact that I loved the Louisville Cardinals, like Muhammad. You know, but as our relationship evolved, I found that a lot of people felt this personal connection with Muhammad. And that's part of the Ali magic. You know, initially, for a lot of men my age and certainly myself, it was the athlete that I was attracted to. I mean, that kind of size, that kind of speed, agility, that grace not only made him the heavyweight champion of the world three times but it made him "Sports illustrated" sportsman of the century, the A.P. Athlete of the century and certainly made him the athlete -- a once in a lifetime athlete. But I would argue that the combination of compassion, kindness, love and the ability to lift us up made him a once in a lifetime person. [ Applause ] 17;20;55 You know, Muhammad was blessed with many gifts, as I said, and he was a wise and faithful steward of those gifts. There's many stories about Muhammad but there is a couple that really to me encapsulate what he was all about. I remember back in 2000, I made a trip to the summer olympics with Muhammad and one day he decided we were going to go see a boxing match and I remember we're ringside, the American wins, 15,000 people are chanting, usa, usa! And I thought, this is my olympic moment. You know, I was filled with patriotic pride. The boxer came down from the ring, he took the obligatory picture with Muhammad, the fist to chin shot, hundreds of photographers from around the world were taking pictures, you know, thousands of people cheering for Muhammad and this victorious fighter. 17;21;47 And then Muhammad leaned down to me whispered in my ear, he said, I want to see the loser. I say, excuse me? I want to see the loser. So, I motioned over to an Olympic official and I said, you know Muhammad wants to see the loser. Can we go to the losing locker room? And we get to the losing locker room and there's not tens of thousands of people, there's not any photographers. There's just a kid in the corner on a stool, he's got a towel around his neck, he's got a bloody mouth under his eye. This has got to be the lowest point of his athletic career at the very least. He felt like he let down his country. He is defeated. And the vibe in that room was literally the lowest of low. But then when Muhammad walks in, this kid recognizes him instantly and in broken English he says Muhammad Ali and Muhammad started dancing he said show me what you've got man, show me, and Mohammad starts throwing out jabs and this kid starts ducking and smiling. Muhammad grabs him in a bear hug. He said, I saw what you did out there, man, you look good. You are moving good, you can be a champion, man. Don't give up. And I remember, it warmed my heart how he took this kid from here to here in an instant. 17;22;58 And -- [ applause ] And I remember, I got in the car and I said to Muhammad, I said, Mohammad try to be a nice guy but I've got to tell you, I was caught up in the moment. I didn't give that losing fighter a second thought. I said mohammad you're the greatest. Muhammad said, tell me something I don't already know. [ laughter ] He -- and -- but what I don't want people to forget, no doubt, to me he's the finest example of a human that I've ever seen. The finest example of a great human being that I've ever seen of the kindness that a human possesses. That was Muhammad Ali, but don't forget about this, man. Muhammad was the coolest cat in the room. I mean, he was good looking, he had charm, he had charisma, he had swagger before he knew that swagger was. I mean, I remember, I went to -- when -- was about 25 years ago, he came to town to visit his mother and he wanted to go to outback steakhouse. I has a friend there, was big Mohammad fan, so we came in and at the time here in Louisville, there was a fireman's convention and all of these guys had their engine numbers on their shirt and sure enough I had seen this thing a million times. Man, these guys line up for an autograph. I said, to Muhammad, I said Muhammad, if you'd like, I'll play the bad guy. You know I tell them to let you eat, and you can sign autographs later. 17;24;25 Muhammad would have none of it. He said, no, I'll sign between bites. He's taking bites of his food and he's signing. This one guy walks up, and you could tell he was a big fan. I mean he knew Muhammad. He was scared to death, he-- all of his adrenaline, he said Champ, he said I saw the stand you made, in the civil rights movement, I saw your stand against the Vietnam war. He said, I've got to tell you, champ, you're my hero. He said, I've got a picture of you at my firehouse. You are my hero. Muhammad instantly he wanted to change the channel. So he said to the guy, he said, you know, you're the real hero jumping in fire, saving lives, saving babies, putting your life on the line, he said, man, you are the real hero. And the fireman responds real quickly. I mean he knew all of the nicknames, he said, man, but you, you fought the bear, sonny Liston. He said, You fought the rabbit, patterson, you fought big George Foreman, you fought smokin Joe Frazier. 17;25;15 And Muhammad interrupted real quick and he goes, yeah, but Joe wasn't really smoking. [ laughter ] And I said, Muhammad that's a good line. He goes, you're right. Write that down. But it wasn't all about signing autographs and kissing babies. If there was a village that needed food in a third-world country, Muhammad was on the plane, will travel with check. If there was a conflict and he could be part of a resolution, again, Muhammad will travel. As Lonnie had mentioned, if there were hostages to be released, Muhammad was a man of action. One of my favorite quotes and I think it's right here in your program, Muhammad said service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth and I just want to say, champ, your rent is paid in full. Your rent is paid in full. [ Applause ] Your rent is paid in full! 17;26;15 (shot of Ali's wife standing up clapping) And you know, in fact, I think he's paid it forward. Because he has taught us to love rather than to hate. To look for commonalities rather than differences. So therefore I think he's really paid it forward for all of us. So, as we all know now, you know, the fight is over but I'm here to tell you, the decision is in and it is unanimous, because of Muhammad Ali, we all win. The world wins. Thank you so much, Muhammad. It is time for a man of peace to rest in peace. And thank you so very much. 17;27;30 BILLY CRYSTAL >> Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We're at the halfway point. I was clean shaven when this started. Dear Lonnie, family, friends, Mr. President, members of the clergy, all of these amazing people here in Louisville, today this outpouring of love and respect proves that 35 years after he stopped fighting, he is still the champion of the world. [ Applause ] Last week, when we heard the news, time stopped. There was no war, there were no terrorists, no global catastrophes. The world stopped, took a deep breath and sighed. Since then, my mind has been racing through my relationship with this amazing man, which is now 42 years that I've known him. Every moment I can think of is cherished. While others can tell you of his accomplishments, he wanted me to speak and tell you of some personal moments we had together. 17;28;52 I met him in 1974. I was just getting started as a stand-up comedian and struggling. But I had one good routine. It was a three-minute conversation between Howard and Muhammad where I would imitate both of them. Muhammad had just defeated George foreman and sports magazine made him the man of the year. A great man, editor for "Sport," was going to host this televised dinner honoring Muhammad. So dick called my agent looking for a comedian who did some sports material. As fate would have it, that comedian was not available and she wisely said -- it's destiny, man. And she wisely said, but listen, I've got this young kid and he does this great imitation and I don't know why, but dick said, okay, I'll try him. I couldn't believe it. My first time on television and it would be with Ali. I ran to the plaza hotel, the event was packed. He said, how should I introduce you? No one knows who you are. And I said, just say I'm one of Ali's closest and dearest friends. And my thought was, I'll get right to the microphone, go into my how word cosell and I'll be fine and I move into the jam ballroom and that's when I saw him for the first time in person. It's very hard to describe how much he meant to me. You had to live in his time. It's great to look at clips and it's amazing that we have them but to live in his time, watching his fights, his experience of the genius of his talent was absolutely extraordinary. Every one of his fights was the aura of a super bowl. He predicted the round that he would knock somebody out and then he would do it. He was funny. He was beautiful. 17;30;57 He was the most perfect athlete you ever saw and those were his own words. But he was so much more than a fighter as time went on, with Bobby Kennedy gone, martin Luther king gone, Malcolm X gone, who was there to relate to when Vietnam exploded in our face? There were millions of young men my age, eligible for the draft for a war that we didn't believe in. And all of us huddled on the conveyor belt that was rapidly feeding the was machine. But it was Ali who stood up for us by standing up for himself. And after he was stripped of the title-- after he was stripped of the title and the right to fight anywhere in the world, he gave speeches at colleges and on television that totally reached me. He seemed as comfortable talking to kings and queens as the lost and unrequited. 17;31;49 He never lost his sense of humor even as he lost everything else, he was always himself, willing to give up everything for what he believed in. And his passionate rhetoric about the life and plight of black people in our country resonated strongly in my house. I grew up in a house that was dedicated to civil rights. My father was a producer of jazz concerts in New York City and was one of the first to integrate bands in the 40s and 50s. Jazz musicians referred to my dad as the branch rickey of Jazz concerts. My uncle and my family, jewish people, produced strange fruit, billie holiday's classic song describing the lynching of African-Americans in this country. And so I felt him, and now there he was just a few feet from me. I couldn't stop looking at him and he seemed to like glow and he was like in slow motion, his amazing face smiling and laughing. 17;32;41 I was seated a few seats from him on the day I said, and in the room all of these athletes in their individual sports, great ones, Gino Marchetti, of the Baltimore Cults, Franco Harries of the Steelers, Archie Griffith who won the Heisman from Ohio state, literally legends, Neil Simon, george plimton, all in a day fawning over Ali who then looked at me [laughter] with an expression that seemed to say what is Joe gray doing here? Mr. Schapp introduced me as one of Ali's closest and dearest friends. Two people clapped. My wife and the agent. I rose, Ali is still staring at me, I passed right behind him, got to the podium, went right into Cocell, hello, everyone, Howard Cocell coming to you live from Zaire. Some people would pronounce it Zaire. They are wrong. It got big laughs and then I went into the Ali. 17;33;49 Everybody's talking about George Foreman, talking about George foreman, george Forman is ugly, he's just so slow. George was slow. I kind of-- and then I got-- and I'm still faster at 33 years of age. I'm so fast I can turn the lights be in my bed before the room gets dark. [ Applause ] (shot of Ali's wife) I'm announcing tonight that I've got new religious beliefs. From now on I want to be known as Ezzie escowitz (?) I am now an orthodox Jew Izzie Escowitz (?) and I am the greatest of all time. [ Applause ] The audience exploded. See, no one had ever done him before and here he was a white kid from Long Island imitating the greatest of all time and he was loving it. When I was done, he gave me this big bear hug and he whispered in my ear, you're my little brother. 17;34;46 Which is what he always called me until the last time that I saw him. We were always there for each other. If he needed me for something, I was there.He came for anything I asked him to do. Most memorable, he was an honorary chairman for a dinner and a very important event where I was being honored by the hebrew university in Jerusalem. He did all of this promotion for it. He came to the dinner. He sat with my family the entire evening. He took photographs with everybody. The most famous Muslim man in the world honoring his jewish friend. And -- [ applause ] 17;35;26 Because he was there, because he was there, we raised a great deal of money and I was able to use it to endow the university in Jerusalem with something that I told to him about and it was something that he loved the theory of. And it thrives to this day. It's called peace through the performing arts. It's a theater group where Israeli, Arab and Palestinian actors, writers and directors all work together in peace creating original works of art. [ Applause ] And that doesn't happen without him. I had so many -- so many funny and unusual moments with him. I sat next to him at Howard Cosell's funeral, a very somber day to be sure. Closed casket was on the stage, Muhammad and I were sitting somewhere over there next to each other. And he quietly whispered to me, little brother, do you think he's wearing his hairpiece? [ Laughter ] 17;36;30 So I said, I don't think so. Well, then how will god recognize him? [ Laughter ] So I said, champ, once he opens his mouth, God will know. So we started laughing. It was a muffled laugh at first but then we couldn't contain ourselves. There we were, at a funeral, me with Muhammad Ali laughing like two little kids who heard something dirty in church, you know, we were just laughing and laughing. And then he looked at me and he said, Howard was a good man. One time he asked me if I would like to run with him one morning. Do road work with him. I said, that would be amazing. I said, where do you run? He said, I run at this country club and I run on the golf course early in the morning, it's very private, nobody bothers me. We'll have a great time. I said, champ, I can't run there. The club has a reputation for being restricted. What does restricted mean? They don't allow Jews there. They don't have any jewish members. He was incensed. 17;37;38 I'm a black Muslim and they let me run there. Little brother, I'm never going to run there again. And he didn't. [ Applause ] My favorite memory was 1979. He had just retired and there was a retirement party at the forum in los Angeles for Muhammad and 20,000 of his closest friends in los Angeles. I performed a piece that I had created, the imitation had grown into a life story. It's called 15 rounds. And I'd play them from the age of 18 until he's 36 ready for the rematch with Leon Spinks. I posted it on the internet last week, footage that nobody had ever seen before, of me portraying Ali doing his life for him all those years ago in 1979. There were 20,000 people there. But I was doing it only for him. That's one of my favorite performances that I have ever done in my life. I sort of got lost in him. I didn't even know where I was at the end of the performance. And suddenly I'm backstage with another heavyweight champion, Richard Pryor and Pryor 's holding on to me crying and then I see Ali coming and he's got a full head of steam, he is looking only at me, nudged Mr. Pryor aside and he whispered in my ear with a big bear hug, little brother, you made my life better than it was. 17;39;10 But didn't he make all of our lives a little bit better than they were? [ Applause ] That -- that, my friends, is my history with the man that I've labored to come up with a way to describe the legend. He was a tremendous bolt of lightning created by mother nature out of thin air, a fantastic combination of power and beauty. We've seen still photographs of lightning bolts at the moment of impact, ferocious in his strength and magnificent in his elegance. And at the moment of impact it lights up everything around it. So you can see everything clearly. Muhammad Ali struck us in the middle of America's darkest night, in the heart of its most threatening gathering storm, his power toppled the mightiest of foes and its intense light shone on America and we were able to see clearly injustice, inequality, poverty, pride, self-realization, courage, laughter, love, joy, religious freedom for all. 17;40;18 Ali forced us to take a look at ourselves. This young man who thrilled us, angered us, confused and challenged us ultimately became a silent messenger of peace who taught us that life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls. [Applause] (shot of Ali's wife) 17;40;50 My friends, only once in a thousand years or so do we get to hear a mozart or see a Picasso, read a Shakespeare. Ali was one of them and yet at his heart he was still a kid from Louisville who ran with the gods and walked with the crippled and smiled at the foolishness of it all. He is gone but he will never die. He was my big brother. Thank you. [ Applause ] 17;41;47 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Bryant Gumbel. 17;41;58 BRYANT GUMBEL >> The great Maya Angelou who was herself no stranger to fame wrote that ultimately people forget what you said and people will forget what you did but that no one will ever forget how you made them feel. That's applied to Muhammad Ali, the march of time may one day diminish his boast and his poetry, maybe even his butterflies and bees. It may even one day dull the memories of the thrilla in Manila and the rumble in the jungle. But I doubt any of us will ever forget how Muhammad Ali made us feel. I'm not talking about how proud he made you feel with his exploits or how special he made you feel when you were privileged enough to be in his company.I'm talking about how he ripped our hearts and our souls and our conscience and made our fights his fights for decades. People like me, who were once young, semi-gifted and black will never forget what he freed within us. Some of us like him took pride in being black, bold and brash. And because we were so unapologetic, we were in the eyes of many, way too uppity. We were way too arrogant. Yet we reveled in being like him. By stretching society's boundaries as he did, he gave us levels of strength and courage we didn't even know we had. But Ali's impact was not limited to those of a certain race or of a certain religion or of a certain mindset. The greatness of this man for the ages was that he was, in fact, a man for all ages. Has any man ever a greater arc to his life? What does it say of a man, any man that he can go from being viewed as one of his country's most polarizing figures to arguably his most beloved. [ Applause ] And to do so without changing his nature or, for a second, compromising his principles. Yeah, you know, there were great pauses and national movements and huge divisions that afforded Ali unusual opportunities to symbolize our struggles. But Harry Truman had it right when he said men make history and not the other way around. Or as Lauren hill so nicely put it, consequence is no coincidence. Befitting his stature as the goat, Muhammad Ali never shied away from a fight. He fought not just the biggest and baddest men of his day inside the ropes but outside the ring he also went toe to toe with critics, outside of societal norms, the U.S. Government. He even fought ultimately to his detriment the limitations of father time. Strictly speaking, fighting is what he did. But he broadened that definition by sharing his struggles with us and by viewing our struggles as his. And so it was that at various times he accepted and led battles on behalf of his race in support of his generation, in defense of his religious beliefs and ultimately in spite of his disease. I happen to have been overseas working in Norway this past week. My buddy Matt called. Told me the champ had been taken to the hospital. This time it was really serious. Right away I called Lonnie who was, as always, a pillar of strength. And as we discussed the medical details, the doctors' views and the ugly realities of mortality, Lonnie said, Bryant, the world still needs him and indeed it does. The world needs a champion who always worked to bridge the economic and social divides that threaten the nation that he dearly loved. The world needs a champion that always symbolized the best of Islam to offset the hatred born of fear. And the world needs a champion who believed in fairness and inclusion for all. Hating people because of their color is wrong, Ali said, and it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong. [ Applause ] Yeah, we do need Muhammad Ali now. We needed strength and the hope, the compassion, the conviction that he always demonstrated. But this time, our beloved champion is down. And for once he will not get up. Not this time. Not ever again. Let me close with a quick personal story. 50 years ago, Muhammad Ali defeated George devalo in Toronto, Canada. The very next day, he showed up in my neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. As Ali got out of the car in the driveway at the home, I happened to be next door shooting hoops in a friend's backyard. I, of course, quickly ran to the fence and for the first time in I was 17. I was awe struck. And man, I thought he was the greatest. Now a half century and a lifetime of experiences later, I am still awe struck and I am convinced more than ever that Muhammad Ali is the greatest. [ Applause ] To be standing here by virtue of his and Lonnie's request, is an honor. To be here today as he goes to his grave is a moment I will take to mine. God bless you, champ. [ Applause ] >> Ladies and gentlemen, the 42nd president of the united States, the honorable William Jefferson Clinton. [ Applause ] WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL 558P WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL P2 17;51;17 BILL CLINTON >> Thank you. I can just hear Muhammad saying now well, I thought I should be eulogized by at least one president and by making you last in a long, long, long line, I guarantee you a standing ovation. I am trying to think of what has been left unsaid. First, Lonnie, I thank you and the members of the family for telling me that he actually as Bryant said picked us all to speak and giving me a chance to come here, and I thank you for what you did to make the second now well, I thought I should be eulogized by at least one president and by making you last in a long, long, long line, I guarantee you a standing ovation. 17;51;51 I am trying to think of what has been left unsaid. First, Lonnie, I thank you and the members of the family for telling me that he actually as Bryant said picked us all to speak and giving me a chance to come here, and I thank you for what you did to make the second half of his life greater than the first. Thank you for the Muhammad Ali center and what it has come to represent to so many people. Here's what I'd like to say. I spent a lot of time now as I get older and older and older trying to figure out what makes people tick, how do they turn out the way they are, how do some people refuse to become victims and rise from every defeat. We've all seen the beautiful pictures of the home of Muhammad Ali and people visiting and driving by. I think you decided something I hope every young person here will decide. I think he decided very young to write his own life story. 17;53;39 I think he decided before he could possibly have worked it all out and before fate and time could work their will on him, he decided that he would not be ever disempowered. He decided not his race or his place or expectations of others, positive, negative or otherwise would stop him from writing his own story. He decided first to use these stunning gifts. His strength and speed in the ring, his wit and way with words, and managing the public, and finding out at a fairly young age who he was, what he believed, and how to live with the consequences of acting on what he believed. 17;54;50 A lot of people make it to steps one and two and still just can't quite manage living with the consequences of what he believed. For the longest time in spite of all the wonderful things that have been said here, I remember thinking when I was a kid this guy is so smart and he never got credit for being as smart as he was. And then I don't think he ever got the credit for being, until later, as wise as he was. In the end besides being a lot of fun to be around and basically universal soldier for our common humanity, I will always think of Muhammad as a truly free man of faith. 17;55;50 And being a man of faith he realized he would never be in full control of his life. Something like Parkinson's could come along. But being free, he realized that life still was open to choices. It is choices that Muhammad Ali made that brought us all here today in honor and love. And the only other thing I would like to say, the first part of his life was dominated by the triumph of his truly unique gifts. We should never forget them, we should never stop looking at the movies. Thank Will Smith for making his movie. We should all be thrilled. It was a thing of beauty. But the second part of his life was more important because he refused to be imprisoned by a disease that kept him hamstrung longer than Mandela was kept in prison in South Africa. 17;57;20 That is in the second half of his life, he perfected gifts that we all have, every single solitary one of us have gifts of mind and heart. It is just that he found a way to release them in ways large and small. I asked Lonnie the time when they were still living in Michigan and I gave a speech in southwest Michigan to an economic club there, and sort of a ritual when a president leaves office, and you know, you had to get reacclimated, nobody plays a song when you walk in a room any more, you don't really know what you're supposed to do, and this club, the economic club, they're used to acting like you deserve to be listened to, they have to be reacclimated. So they came to me to this dinner and he sat with me at this dinner. 17;58;26 And he knew, somehow he knew that I was a little off my feet that night. I was trying to imagine how to make this new life and so he told me a really bad joke. And he told it so well and he laughed so hard that I totally got on board and had a great time. He had that feel about, you know, there's no textbook for that, knowing where somebody else is in their head, picking up the body language. Then Lonnie and Muhammad got me to come here when we had the dedication of the Muhammad Ali center, and I was trying to be incredibly gray haired elder states man, dignified, I have to elevate this guy, I am saying all this stuff in high tone, language, and Muhammad sneaks up behind me, puts his fingers up. (shot of wife laughing) 17;58;35 Finally after all the years we had been friends, my endearing image of him is like three shots. The boxer, the man I watched take the last steps to light the olympic flame when I was president, and I'll never forget it, I was sitting there in Atlanta, we knew each other, by then I felt I had some sense of what he was living with, and I was still weeping like a baby, seeing his hands shake, his legs shake, and knowing by god he was going to make those last few steps no matter what it took, the flame would be lit, the fight would be won. I knew it would happen. [ Applause ] 5532 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE FIBER PATH POOL P2 18;00;49 And then this. The children whose lives he touched, the young people he inspired. That's the most important thing of all. So ask you to remember that. We all have an Ali story. It's the gift we all have that should be most honored today because he released them to the world. Never wasting a day the rest of us could see feeling sorry he had Parkinson's, knowing more than three decades of his life would be circumscribed in ways that would be chilling to the naked eye. 18;01;43 But with the free spirit it made his life bigger, not smaller. Because other people, all of us unlettered, unschooled said would you look at that. Look at that. May not be able to run across the ring any more, may not be able to dodge everybody, exhaust everybody any more, and he's bigger than ever because he is a free man of faith sharing the gifts we all have. We should honor him by letting our gifts go among the world as he did. God bless you, my friend, go in peace.

CBS POOL FTG MUHAMMAD ALI MEMORIAL SERVICEH/T JAKE INGRASSIA, PAOLA CONTARDO AND SUNNY CHOO WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL 15;10:47 Bill Clinton walks in 15;11;45 -- service starts 15;11;49 >> All praises due to the lord god of the world. Now please be seated, ladies and gentlemen. In accordance with Muslim tradition, and consistent with the wishes of Muhammad Ali, may god have mercy on him. We begin this program with a brief recitation from the Koran, the scripture of the muslims. A young Imam of the midtown mosque in Memphis, Tennessee, where he's spearheading a neighborhood renewal effort in one of the most blighted neighborhood in Memphis and that effort is centered around the mosque, one of the few African-American graduates of the university. He will share with us a few verses from the Koran. 15;12;50 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Hamza Abdul Malik. [ Applause ] [ Speaking foreign language ] 15;13;12 [ Speaking foreign language ] [ Speaking foreign language ] 15;17;10 (shot of Ali's wife) >> Now with the translation of those verses we would like to bring to the stage the second generation daughter of Syrian immigrants. She's an excellent student. In her spare time, in recent years, she raises money to provide medical supplies, surgical instruments and other forms of medical assistance for Syrian refugees fleeing from the horror of the current conflict in that land and we pray that almighty god brings it to a succession soon. 15;18;00 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Ia Kutma. [ Applause ] 15;18;14 >> In the name of god, the most gracious, the most merciful, truly those who say our lord is god and our upright the angels will descend upon them saying, have neither fear nor sadness, but rather, rejoice in this paradise that you have been promised. We are your allies in this lower life in the hereafter. Where you will have your heart's desire and you will have whatever you ask for. Hospitably from the one most forgiving, most merciful. Who is more beautiful in speech than the one who invites to god and does righteous works saying, truly, I am submitted to god? For good and evil are not equal. 15;19;13 Repel ugliness with beauty and behold the one between you and whom there was enmity is transformed into a warm friend. But no one arrives at the station without great patience and immense fortune. Through prostration, chapter 41 verses 30 to 35. Thank you. [Applause] 15;19;45 (shot of Ali's daughter) >> I forgot to mention that she is a louisvillean, a proud resident of this city. [Applause] 15:20 15;20;05 >> Oh, god, miss this day of ours, you are our protector. What an excellent protector, an excellent helper. Honorable president Bill William J. Clinton, distinguished guests, viewing audience, on behalf of the Ali family, and the city of Louisville, Kentucky, the home of the people's champ. [Applause] 15;20;50 >> Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali. [Chanting] Ali, Ali. 15;21;00 >> We're dealing with time here, folks. Louisville, Kentucky, admirably led by mayor Greg fisher, I would like to welcome you. Give it up for the mayor. [Applause] >> I would like to welcome you to this memorial service for the people's champ, Muhammad Ali. And this time, we would like to introduce our first speaker. Dr. Reverend Kevin W. Cosby. [Applause] 15;21;50 >> Were it not for time, since Cosby rhymes with Ali, we would we would say, Cosby, Cosby, but time doesn't permit. Reverend Cosby is senior pastor of St. Steven church in Louisville, Kentucky. Due greatly to his dynamic bible teachings his congregation has grown over the long years of his ministry. Reverend Cosby combines passion, wit, and intellect as the foundation of the inspirational ministry that is transformed the lives of thousands of individuals. Reverend Cosby. [Applause] 15;22;39 >> Dr. Reverend Kevin W. Cosby: Thank you. I looked into the dictionary for the word, fidelity. And it had two words. Lonnie Ali. [Applause] 15;22;57 >> In 1967, nine months prior to his assassination and martyrdom, Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. Was interviewed by merv griffin on "The merv griffin show". Merv griffin asked Dr. King a relevant question. He said, Dr. King, what has been the greatest affect and impact that the civil rights struggle has had on the Negro? Dr. King paused and said, besides the dismantling of barriers that prohibited the Negro from free access, the greatest and most profound effect that the civil rights struggle had was that it infused in the Negro something that the anything Negro needed all along. 15:24:07 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;24;00 And that was a sense of somebodiness. You will never be able to appreciate what Dr. King meant when he said, the negro needed a sense of somebodiness until you understand the 350 years of nobodiness that was infused into the psyche of people of color. Every sacred document in our history, every hallowed institution, conspired to convince the African in America that when god made the African, that god was guilty of creative malfeasance. 15;24;55 All of the documents from the constitution said to the Negro, that you're nobody. The constitution said that we were three-fifths of a person. Decisions by the supreme court, like the dred Scott decision, said to the Negro, to the African, you had no rights that whites were bound to respect. And even Francis Scott key, in his writing of "The star spangled banner" we sang, verse one, but in verse three he celebrates slavery by saying, no refuge can save the harrowing enslaved from the sorrow of night or the death of the grave. Every institution from religion to entertainment, from Amos and Andy to Jane and tarzan, infused in the psyche of the Negro, that he was inferior. 15;26;06 But something happened to the depression generation and the World War II generation of African-Americans. Jackie Robinson picked up his bat and hit a ball and the Brooklyn dodgers win the pennant. Joe Louis dismantles the pride of Aryan supremacy by knocking out max melling in 124 seconds. Jesse Lewis runs at ambulatory speed and wins four gold medals. Rosa parks sits on a bus in 1955 and a young seminary student from Boston university stands up and takes the complex ideas of _____ and dips it chocolate so big mama can understand it. 15;27;02 And then from Louisville. [Cheering] -- Emerged the civil-tongued poet who took the ethos of somebodiness to unheard of heights. Before James brown said, I'm black and I'm proud. Muhammad Ali said I'm black and I'm pretty. [Laughter] 15:27:38 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;27;44 >> Black and pretty was an oxymoron. Blacks did not say pretty. The first black millionaire in this country was not Oprah but madam C.J. Walker who made products in order to help black people escape their Africanity. But Muhammad Ali said I'm proud. I'm pretty. I'm glad of who I am. And when he said that, that infused in Africans a sense of somebodiness. 15;28;25 To extrapolate Muhammad Ali from the times in which he lives is called historic presentism. It is to talk about George Washington and not talk about the American revolution to talk about Abraham Lincoln and not talk about the civil war. It's to talk about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and not talk about the depression and World War II. Our brother, Muhammad Ali, was a product of a difficult time. And he dared to love black people. 15;29;05 At a time when black people had a problem loving themselves. [Applause] He dared. He dared to affirm the beauty of blackness. He dared to affirm the power and the capacity of African-Americans. He dared to love America's most unloved race. And he loved us all, and we loved him because he -- we knew he loved us. He loved us all. Whether you lived in the suburbs or whether you lived in the slums. Whether you lived on the avenue or whether you lived in an alley. Whether you came from the penthouse or whether you lived in the projects. Whether you came from Morehouse or whether you had no house, whether you were high yellow or boot black, Muhammad Ali loved you. Our city is known for two things. It's known for Muhammad Ali, it is known for the Kentucky derby. 15;30;19 We hope you will come back and visit our city. The first Saturday in may, we hope you will place a bet on one of the horses, but if you do, please know the rules. What will happen is the horses start in the starting gate and then the signal will be given think will run in the mud for two minutes. And the winner will then be led to the winner's circle where a right of roses will be placed around the horse's neck. We want you to make a bet but please know the rules. You cannot bet for the horse once it's in the winner's circle. You have to bet for the horse while it's still in the mud. [Applause] 15;31;09 And there are lot of people, a lot of people who will bet and have bet on Muhammad Ali when he was in the winner's circle. But the masses bet on him while he was still in the mud. [Applause] Kareem abdul-jabbar stood with him when he was in the mud, Jim brown stood with him when he was in the mud. Bill Russell stood with him when he was in the mud. Howard cosell stood with him when he was in the mud. 15:31:24 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;31;51 Please don't mishear me. I am not saying that Muhammad Ali is the property of black people. He is the property of all people. [Applause] But while he is the property of all people, let us never forget that he is the product of black people in their struggle to be free. [Applause] I went looking for Jesus on a poor west-end street, looking that I would find him as he walked around with men and women with stumbling feet. People who had their heads bowed low because they were broke and had nowhere to go. But then I went looking for Jesus, way in the sky. Thinking he would wear a robe that would dazzle my eye. When suddenly, Jesus came walking by with stumbling feet because he had been hanging with the poor on a west-end street. [Applause] 15:33:06 (shot of Ali's wife and family) 15;33;10 The Muhammad Ali of my childhood had a shuffle but as he grew older he walked with shuffling feet. And I will submit to you he walked with shuffling feet not because of Parkinson's disease but he walked with shuffling feet because he hanged out with the folk in west Louisville who had shuffling feet. Peace and god bless you. [Applause] 15;33;47 (shot of Ali's wife applauding and family standing up) 15;34;00 >> Yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes. Don't give a teenager a telephone and don't give a preacher a microphone. [ laughter ] 15:34:15 (shot of Ali's wife) >> We'd like to bring Senator Orrin Hatch to the stage, now in this seventh term as Utah's senator, one of Utah's senators, he is the most senior Republican in the senate, author of some of the most far-reaching legislation in recent decades. Senator hatch is a seasoned and distinguished public servant. We're deeply honored by his presence today. [Applause] 15;35;00 >>Senator Orrin Hatch: Reverend, that was really good. It's hard for this poor old senator to have to follow that is all I can say. Well, the head of the first fight was Sonny Liston, and Muhammad Ali stood before a crowded pack of reporters and told the world unapologetically who he was. I'm the greatest. That's what he said. But this simple proclamation all took the history and -- Ali took the history and wrote his own title in the textbooks. He was not Muhammad Ali, the prize fighter. Or even the world champion. He was Muhammad all the greatest. His daughters dismissed this as bragging but Ali wasn't talking trash. He was speaking truth. And he was in the world of boxing, he truly was the greatest. [Applause] 15;36;13 (tight shot of ali's wife) 15;36;18 >> With the cut-throat quickness of a street fighter, and the simple grace of a ballerina, Ali moved with the killings like agility and punched with herculean strength. But to assume that Ali's greatness stems solely from his athletic prowess is to see half the man. Ali was great not only as an extraordinary fighter. He was a committed civil rights leader, an international diplomat, a forceful advocate of religious freedom, and effective emissary of Islam. He was something. He was caring as a father, a husband, a brother, and a friend. Indeed, it is as a personal friend that it witness Ali's greatness for myself.I first met Muhammad Ali 28 years ago. Almost to the day, to this day. 15:37:09 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) 15;37;21 I was in my senate office and an assistant said you have a visitor, and I was really surprised that it was none other than the champion himself. The friendship we developed was puzzling to many people, especially to those who saw only our differences. I might say that where others saw a difference, Ali and I saw kinship. We were both dedicated to our families. And deeply devoted to our faiths. He took Islam, and I to the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. We were both products of humble backgrounds and hard scrabble youth. Ali grew up poor here in Louisville and I grew up poor in Pittsburgh. True, we were different in some ways but our differences fortified our friendship. 15;38;26 They did not define it. I saw greatness in Ali's ability to look beyond the horizon and our differences. To find common ground. This shared sensibility was the foundation of a rich and meaningful relationship that I will forever treasure. One of my fondest memories of our friendship when Ali joined news the Salt Lake -- going to listen to the Salt Lake Mormon tabernacle choir. I have to say, it was the same Mormon tabernacle choir -- Ali loved music, and he enjoyed the choir's performance, but he seemed most excited to share his own religious beliefs with those who came to hear the Christian hymns. Ali attracted big crowds that day, and as he always did, and he gave everyone autographed pamphlets explaining his Muslim beliefs. 15;39;31 Hundreds of mormons lined up to grab the pamphlets, and of course I took one for myself. I respected his deeply held convictions just as he respected mine. In our relationship it was anchored by our different faiths. Ali was open to goodness. In all of its diverse realities and varieties. On another occasion, I took Ali to primary children's hospital in Salt Lake City. We visited with downtrodden children who perhaps had never smiled a day in their lifetime. Until Ali showed up. Ali held those kids and looked into their eyes. They would grin from ear to ear. These are kids that never smiled. They were so pained. The nurses were astounded. Never before had they seen someone who had connected so immediately and profoundly with these sick children. 15;40;35 Ali had a special way with kids as we all know. He may have been a tough and tenacious man in the ring, but he was a compassionate and tender around those that he loved. 15:40:48 (shot of Ali's wife) Through all of his ferocity as a fighter, Ali was also a peacemaker, a particular radio host in Utah berated me constantly on the air waves. Week after week. One day the host asked if I were arrange for Ali to meet Utah's former middleweight champion, James Fulmer, for a joint interview. Ali agreed. Knowing that the appearance could help me build some good will, but he also was very interested in meeting James(?) as well. It was an unforgettable experience. Here were two champions, face-to-face, reminiscing about some of the best fights the world has ever seen, and I have to say, in the process, Ali claimed that radio host -- well, he charmed the radio host so much on my behalf, gently transforming an unrepentant antagonist into a respectful starring partner. 15;41;52 So dedicated was Ali to our friendship, that he joined me on the campaign trail during several election cycles. He came to Utah year after year to raise funds for a charity benefiting needy women, women in jeopardy, and families in our state. Ali didn't look at life through the binary lens of Republican and Democrat. So common today. He saw worthy causes and shared humanity. And always willingness to put principles ahead of partisanship, he showed us all the path to greatness. And I'll never forget that greatness. Nor will I ever forget him. [Applause] 15;42;47 There there were many faces to Ali's greatness. His abilities as a boxer, his charisma as a public figure, his benevolence as a father and as a friend. All of these made Ali great. But there was something else that made him the greatest. Ali was the greatest because, as a debilitated and unbroken champion for later years he put is to a greatness beyond ourselves, greatness beyond even Ali. He pointed us to the greatness of god. [Applause] 15;43;35 God raised up Ali to be the greatest fighter in the world of all-time. Yet he allowed Ali to wrestle with Parkinson's disease, an inescapable reminder we're all mortal, and that we are all dependent on god's grace. Ali believed this himself. He once told me, god gave me this condition to remind me always that I am human, and that only he is the greatest. [Applause] 15;44;12 Ali was an unsurpassed symbol of our universal dependence on the divine. He was the greatest because he reminded us all who truly is the greatest. God, our creator. I'm eternally grateful for my special bond with this special man, and for my friendship with his beloved wife, who I love dearly. She is one of the great women in this world. [Applause] 15;44;44 (shot of wife) She was dedicated to the very end and I pray that Ali rested peacefully and Ali will rest peacefully the presence of the greatest of all, even our gods. I can bear testimony that I believe in god. I believe that we're here on Earth for a reason. I believe that this Earth life is a time for us to do what is right for god and for our fellow men and women. I don't know that I've ever met anybody who did it any better than my friend, Muhammad Ali. [Applause] >> God bless you. God bless the family. 15;45;37 (shot of wife applauding) 15;45;45 >> Next we would like to welcome Monsignor Father Henry Kriegel to the stage. Father Kriegel has been instrumental -- has been the pastor of St. Patricks parish in Erie, PA. He was ordained in 1970 and named a domestic prebate with the title Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1991. His wisdom, scholraship and spiritual guidance is a source of solace and guidance for catholics and members of other faith communities far far beyond his Pennsylvania home. Father Kriegel. 15;46;35 >> Monsignor Father Henry Kriegel: Let us pray. Loving eternal god, as we gather today in prayer, we do so with an abiding sense of gratitude. Our gratitude knows no bounds as we thakn you for the gift of this good and gentle man. Muhammed Ali opened our eyes to the evil of racism, to the absurdity of war. He showed us with incredible patience that a debilitating illness need never diminish joy and love in our lives. He chided our consciences, he awakened in us a deeper sense of the need to respect one another, to set aside racial differences. The legendary fighter of all time in reality taught us to heal, rather than to fight. To embrace, rather than to turn away. To include, rather than to exclude. While proclaiming himself to be the greatest, he showed us that his greatness lied in his love and concern for others. Most particularly the marginalized, the suffering, the helpless, the hopeless. You gift of him has enriched us, has made us better people, has created a more gentle world. We dare not return him to you today without expressing our gratitude for the gift of him. Amen. 15;47;50 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;48;22 >> Next we will hear a few brief remarks from Dr. Timothy Gianotti. Dr. Gianotti is a professor of islamic studies at the university of waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He is equally at home, busying himself with the affairs of the Muslim community as he is sitting in the library and burrowing through books. A true public intellectual. He is the initial and principal islamic adviser to the Ali family. He has been instrumental in assuring that the last days of Muhammad's life, his burial, his bathing, his shrouding, and his burial today, his funeral and burial today, all were in accordance with the strictures of Muslim law. So now I'd like to bring to you the person I affectionately call, brother, doctor, Imam, Timothy Gianotti. [Applause] 15;49;58 >> Dr. Timothy Gianotti: In the name of god who is the loving nurturer of the creation, and the ever compassionate and ever merciful, I'd like to share a prayer today. This is a prayer adapted from a there divisional prayer of the prophet Muhammad. My god's peace and blessings be upon him. But before I do so I would just like to say to the family, to Lonnie, to everyone here, that serving Muhammad Ali has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. 15;50;50 (shot of Ali's wife) Oh, god, you who are the light of the heavens and the Earth, grant our brother Muhammad a light in his heart. A light in his earthly body, now restored to the Earth. A light in his grave. A light before him as he journeys on to you. A light in all that he has left behind in this world. A light to his right, and the lights to his left. Oh, god, increase him inlight. Grant him light. A light in his deeds in this world and a light in the hereafter. A light in the hearts of those whom he loved. And a light in the eyes of those who loved him. 15;52;05 A light in those whom he knocked down. And a light in those whom he lifted up. A light in his words which echo in our hearts. A light in the lives of all those whom he touched. A light in his children and a light in their mothers. 15:52:40 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) A light in his grandchildren. And a light in his devoted wife, Lonnie. Oh, lord, increase your servants in light. And give him light. And embrace him in light. And fill us all with light .[ Foreign foreign ] 15;53;10 >> You who are the light odd Earth, you who are the most merciful of all those who show mercy. [Applause] 15;53;38 >> Next we'll hear a few words from rabbi Michael Lerner. Rabbi Lerner is the editor of a magazine, as the magazine's name suggests, rabbi Lerner has dedicated his life to working, to heal and repair the world. Rabbi Lerner is never afraid of ruffling a few feathers so we asked him to be nice today. Rabbi Lerner. [Applause] 15;54;23 >>Rabbi Michael Lerner: We'll see about the feathers. [Foreign chanting] >> Master of compassion, god of compassion, send your blessings to Muhammad Ali and send your blessings to all who mourn for him, and send your blessings for all the millions and millions of people who mourn for him all over this planet. I come here speaking as representative of American Jews, and to say that American Jews played an important role of solidarity with the African-American struggles in this country, and that we today stand in solidarity with islamic communities in this country and all around the world. [Applause] 15;55;23 We will not tolerate politicians or anyone else putting down a Muslim and blaming muslims for a few people. [Cheers and applause] 15;55;40 (shot of Ali's wife and family standing up and clapping) (shot of Bill Clinton clapping) 15;55;50 We know what it's like to be demeaned. We know what it's like to have some -- a few people who act against the highest visions of our tradition, to then be identified as the value of the entire tradition. And one of the reasons that we in (?) magazine, a magazine of liberal and Progressive jews but also an interfaith magazine, have called upon the United States to stand up to the part of the Israeli government that is suppressing Palestinians, is that we as Jews understand that our commitment is to recognize that god has created everyone in god's image, and that everyone is equally precious. 15;56;33 And that means that Palestinian people as well as all other people on the planet. [Applause] I know the people of Louisville have a special relationship to Muhammad Ali, and I had a personal relationship in the '60s when both of us were indicted by the federal government and before our various stands against the war in Vietnam. I want to say that although he was cheered on as the heavyweight champion of the world, you know the truth is that in all the honor to him, that heavyweight champions of the world come and go, and sports heroes come and go. There was something about Muhammad Ali that was different. 15;57;24 At the key moment when he had that recognition, he used it -- to stand up to an immoral war and say, no, I won't go! [ Applause ] And it's for that reason that tens and millions of Americans who don't particularly care about boxing care about Muhammad Ali because he was a person who was willing to risk a great honor that he got and a great fame that he got to stand up for the beliefs that he had, to think truth to power when the rest of the people around him said, no, no, you're going to lose your championship and it was taken away from him for five years. But he stood up and was willing to take that kind of a risk because of that kind of moral integrity. [ Applause ] 15;58;22 So I want so say, how do we honor Muhammad Ali? The way to honor Muhammad Ali is to be Muhammad Ali today. That means us, everyone here and everyone listening, it's up to us to continue that ability to speak truth to power. We must speak out, refuse to follow the path of conformity to the rules of the game in life. We must refuse to follow the path of conformity. Tell the 1% who own 80% of the wealth of this country that it's time to share that wealth. Tell the politicians who use violence worldwide and then preach nonviolence to the oppressed, that it's time to end their drone warfare and every other form of warfare, to close our bases around the world, bring the troops home, tell those who committed mass incarceration that it's time to create a guaranteed income for everyone in our society. [ Applause ] 15;59;34 Tell judges to let out of prison the many African-Americans swept up by racist police and imprisoned by racist judges. [ Applause ] Many are in prison today for offenses like possessing marijuana that white people get away with all the time! [ Applause ] Tell our elected officials to imprison those who authorize torture and those who ran the big investment companies that caused the economic collapse of 2008. Tell the leaders of Turkey to stop killing the kurds. Tell Israeli prime minister Netanyahu that the way to get security is for Israel is to stop the occupation of the west bank and help create a Palestinian state. [ Applause ] 16;00;37 Tell the next president of the United States that -- tell the next president of the united States that she --- (shot of bill clinton smiling) Tell the next president of the united States that she should seek a constitutional amendment to make all national and state elects funds by congress and the state legislator and all other money be banned, all other money from companies companies and individuals and make it all public funding. 16;01;30 >> Tell her that the way to achieve homeland security is not for us to try new ways of domination, the strategy of domination in the world of the other to get security has been tried for the last ten thousand years and doesn't work. The way to get security is for the United States to become known as the most generous and caring country in the world, not the most powerful. [Applause] 16;02;00 We can start with a global and domestic plan to once and for all ended global and domestic poverty, homelessness, hunger, inadequate education, inadequate health care. So, I want to, as chair of the interfaith network of spiritual Progressives -- by the way, spiritual progressives.org come and join us -- I want to affirm our commitment to the well-being of all muslims on the planet as well as the people of all faiths and secular humanists as well. We wish to pay honor to muslims of the world as the continue today the fast of Ramadan, and join with them in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali, a great -- peace be upon him, peace be upon the prophet now ham -- Muhammad and peace on humanity and peace on all of us, amen. [Cheers and applause] 16;03;20 [Chanting] Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali. Ali. >> Time, time, time is not on our side. After that speech, I have to edit my initial remarks, honorable first man William J. Clinton. Chief Sidney hill in 2002, Sidney Hill was selected as Tadodaho, or principal spiritual leader of its people a true friend of the earth and beloved to all who know him, he is a leader whose spirituality is coupled with a passionate pursuit of justice. We are honored that he has come here today to share a few words and a few thoughts with us. Chief Hill. [ Applause ] 16;04;44 >>Chief Sidney hill: [ Speaking only in foreign language ] 16;06;16 >>This is chairman Stevens with us, United Nation from our alliance (?) Nation. Translation: he said, my relatives, it is my responsibility to pick up the words for (?) the people of the longhouse. They wish you well. They want you to be at peace of mind. Now this great darkness that has happened to us, you must understand that you who have gathered us here, that his road is straight. Peacefully, he will arrive at his land. [foreign language] Our creator. It is the same as you call him, Allah. 16;07;30 These were the words. He took the family, your relatives and friends of Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali was the leader among men. And a champion of the people. He fought for the people of color, yet he was man of peace and principle. A man of compassion, who used his great gifts for the common good. The spirit has a clear path to the creator. 16;08;27 To the spiritual leader, six nation iroquois confederation. And myself, faithkeeper, turtle clan, under the council of chiefs, have journeyed here today to add our voice to this congregation of world leaders, in honor of his work, and for the right and dignity of people of color and the common man. [Applause] 16;09;15 He was always in support of the indigenous people of this hemisphere in our quest for our inherent land rights, self-determination, identity, and collective right that include the natural world. We know what he was up against. Because we have had 524 years of survival training ourselves. [Applause] 16;09;50 (shot of Ali's wife clapping) In 1978, a congressman from the state of Washington put a bill into congress to terminate our treaties with the United States. An Indian nations walked from California to Washington, DC, in protest. Muhammad Ali marched into Washington, DC with us. [Applause] 16;10;31 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) 16;10;38 He was a free, independent spirit. He stood his ground with great courage and conviction. And he paid a price. And this country did, too. And we all did. Values and principles will determine one's destiny. And the principles of a nation will do the same. Poor people do not have many options. You fighters know what I'm talking about. He said that ring was Ali's path to his destiny. He said he would be heavyweight champion of the world, and he was. Three times. This is the fourth time, right here, right now. [Applause] 16;11;55 On his journey in life, he lived and learned the hard way. He brought a light into this world. My world. Our world. And that light will shine a long, long time. [ Applause ] Peace, brother. Peace. And on behalf of my friend Ernie and the indigenous people everywhere, peace. Thank you. [Applause] 16;12;58 >> We introduce chief hill, and his words were translated by Chief Oren Lyons who was born into a traditional indigenous family, and grew up on the native reservations of upstate New York. In 1970 he became the chief and faithkeeper of the turtle clan of the onondaga nation. His scholarship, stewardship and leadership is a source of benefit and great blessing for all who know him. Now he want to introduce Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport, Rabbi Rapport is senior rabbi here of the temple here in Louisville where he has been a leader in interfaith work. He has the passion for teaching youth, and in fact it is his work with youth that let him to cross paths with Muhammad Ali. His religious leadership focuses on compassion, care, and working together was all to build a better world. Rabbi Rapport. [Applause] 16;14;24 >>Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport: This is a reading from our memorial prayer on yom kippur. Our day of atonement. Our most sacred day of the year. It was written men decades ago by rabbi Fein, civil rights leader who could never have known when he composed these words he was writing a eulogy for Muhammad Ali. 16;14;49 Birth is a beginning. And death a destination. And life is a journey, from childhood to maturity, and youth to age. From innocence to awareness, and ignorance to knowing. From foolishness to discretion. And then perhaps to wisdom. From weakness to strength, and strength to weakness. And often back again. From health to sickness, and back we pray to health again. From offense to forgiveness. From loneliness to love. From joy to gratitude. And pain to compassion, from grief to understanding. From fear to faith. From defeat to defeat to defeat, until looking backward or ahead we see that victory lies not at some high place along the way, but in having made the journey, stage by stage, a sacred pilgrimage. 16;15;50 Birth is a beginning. And death, a destination. And life is a journey. The sacred pilgrimage to life everlasting. We say words of prayer and they remain words, until we encounter a person who embodies these words and makes them real. I've said these words many times before. At funerals and memorial services. But never have I felt them come to life and speak of a single shining soul as I do today. Muhammad Ali was the heart of this city. The living, breathing, embodiment of the greatest that we can be. 16;16;33 (shot of Ali's wife) He was our heart, and that heart beats here still. [Applause] 16;16;47 Let me tell you a story you already know. It's one of those stories about Ali being gracious to a stranger that so many of us have told, so many times, and in so many we we sometimes forget the lessons these stories were intended to teach us. It's a story Honna tells about her father towards the end of their book, the soul of the butterfly. Honna's driving her father to a book store on one Sunday to pick up some bibles and korans for a project that he's working on. They pass an elderly man standing by the road with a bible in one hand and his thumb in the air with the other. They offer him a ride. And he thanks them, saying that he is on his way home from church. He only needs to go a few miles down the street where he can pick up a cab. Hanna asked where he lives help doesn't want to trouble them. He has no idea who is sitting in the front seat of the car. 16;17;48 Until Muhammad Ali turns around and says, it's no trouble at all. We're just on our way to a bookstore to by some bibles and korans. Once the man gets over meeting the greatest of all-time, he insists that he has three bibles in his house, and he would be pleased to give them to Ali in appreciation for the ride. Ali thanks him but says, he wants to pay for the bibles. The man says, no, the bibles were meant as a gift. Ali asked him what he does for a living. And it turns out the man had a stroke and has been forced into retirement. Ali then tries to hand him a big pile of money for the bibles. But the man refuses and this is where things get interesting. 16;18;37 Ali says, take the money, man, I'm trying to get into heaven.(laughter) 16;18;44 (shot of Ali's wife) And the man replied. So am I. Ali is not taking no for an answer. He says, if you don't take the money I might not get in. And the man replies, if I do take your money I might not get in. They arrive at his home, and the map invites him tomeet his wife of 30 years. He gives Ali the bibles. Ali slips the money under a napkin on the kitchen table. They're about to leave and Hannah gives the man her phone number and tells him to call him -- to call her if her needs a ride home from church again. Sitting in the car, Ali turns to his daughter and asks. Would you really go out of your way and pick him up and drive him home? And she says, yes. And with tears in his eyes, he says, that's me in you. [Applause] 16;19;52 (shot of Ali's wife holding back tears) 16;20;04 He says, you're on the road to heaven. Therein lies ally's greatness his ability to see something greater and his ability to inspire others to see such greatness' within themselves. There will never be another greatest like Muhammad Ali. But we together can now embody a measure of his kindness, and his compassion. We can say each of us in our hearts there's a little bit of Ali in me. [Applause] This week, we have mourned the loss and celebrated the life of a Louisville legend and a citizen of the world. And of all the words and all the ways, the most powerful moments have always been made in the voices of young people, repeated in prayer services, and chanted in the streets. I am Ali. I am Ali. I am not the fighter that Ali was. And I may not have the courage which he never lacked. And I am definitely not as pretty. (laughter) But in my heart, and in my hope, and in my prayers I am Muhammad Ali. [Applause] 16;21;36 >> When he say that in our hearts, when we live that in our lives, then we together can build a legacy worthy of the greatest of all-time. So say that now with me. In your heart, and in this room, I am Ali. I am Ali. [Applause] >> You know, one of the amazing things that we've witnessed during our time here in Louisville has been just so many stories of common, ordinary people. There's folks on the street, working in the hotels, the restaurants, virtually everyone has a story concerning how Muhammad Ali touched their lives. He came to my fourth grade class. He helped me out in this or that way. He came to visit me when I was sick. Just on and on and on. And collectively, those experiences, they become sinner ginnic, they become greater than the individual parts. And when we rose through the streets of the city today, I've witnessed something I've never, ever witnessed in my life. [ Applause ] 16;23;10 And I don't think I will ever witness again. I witnessed the power. In our muslim tradition we call it (foreign language) it might be loosely translated as sainthood, I witnessed the power of sainthood. [ applause] Venerable Utsumi is a member of the (foreign language) a Japanese Buddhist order dedicated to working for world peace through the practice of walking peace pilgrimages anti-nuclear weapon pilgrimages and the construction of peace pagodas all over the globe, he will be joined onstage by Sister Denise another member of the order and together they will share a traditional chant with us. 16;24;40 [Buddhist chants] 16:28:25 [Buddhist chants] 16;29;20 Now we will listen to a reading by , Ambassador Shabazz. Ambassador Shabazz is the oldest of six daughters born to el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (?) and Doctor Betty Shabazz. [applause] She probably shares that she is inspired by her parents, their parents, and those before them through the descending generations. The former prime minister of Belize recognized her as a key Ambassador in international cultural affairs and project development and in 2002 appointed her as ambassador at large, powerful and elegant we invite Ambassador Shabazz to read and share and inspire us. [ Applause ] 16:30;44 >>Ambassador Shabazz: Assalamu alaikum. May peace be upon us. All of us. As this is a homegoing celebration I find myself balanced between that of celebration and depletion, loss, that somehow or another, my breathing capacity has been weakened this past week so I ask all of you gathered and afar to please muster up and transmit a bit of your air to me in the memory of Muhammad Ali, thank you all. [ Speaking in foreign language ] WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SEVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL P2 16;31;44 And more as the globe centers at this very moment amidst the holy month of Ramadan where every two hours there's a time zone praying, and including Muhammad Ali and his family in your thoughts. Amidst that are the prayers of all faiths, all those touched, even those that don't claim a religion are feeling something right now in honor of the family and the memory of their father, husband. In the spirit of my parents, Malcolm X Shabazz and Dr. Shabazz, in the presence of my five younger sisters, our children and our grandchildren I would like to first honor his beloved wife, my sister, Lonnie Ali. [ Applause ] 16;32;53 (shot of Ali's wife) 16;32;59 For all the strengths that you know and that resonate beyond. Sometimes you do need a little help no matter how magnificent you are and indeed those that were with him, that loved him, his family members sustain that. His nine children, and I will name them, Maryam, rasheda, Muhammad Jr., Hana, Laila, asaad, Miya, khaliah as well as thier mothers, and the third generation of grandchildren who accompany them. [ Applause ] 16;33;47 (shot of Ali's wife) To his only brother, to his extraordinary example of a best friend, Howard Bingham and to his sister-in-law Marilyn. For all the grief that I am depleted by and others are feeling by his transition, there is none comparable to yours and I know that. On this day and those to come, as you live your waking days with a life without him here presently, very different. 16;34;37 (shot of Ali's wife) Photos, memories, all the things that we have on him that keep him going. He touched you differently and that has to be honored and recognized, never forsaken. [ Applause ] Just know that when you are the descendent of and in the presence of someone whose life was filled with principle, that the seed is in you so that you have to cultivate that responsibly as well. [ Applause ] This moment is very meaningful for me to have been amongst those chosen and blessed by Muhammad himself and affirmed by his wife Lonnie to take part by sharing a prose and a statement during this homegoing ceremony. While he and I had a treasured relationship, the genesis of his love was through the love for my father. Muhammad Ali was the last of a fraternity of amazing men bequeathed to me directly by my dad. 16;35;57 Somewhere between me turning 18, 19 or 20, they all seemed to find me somehow guided by an oath of a promise to my dad long after him leaving this Earth to search for me, and they did. Each one remaining in my life until joining the rest of the heavens beloved summit of fearless humanitarians. This included Muhammad Ali whom my dad loved as a little brother, 16 years his junior and his entrusted friend. There was a double-take when I came upon him, a once childhood per child and now looking right into his face, and you know how he is. He gives you that little dare like, is that you? [ imitates ] From the very moment we found one another, it was as if no time has passed as all despite all of the presumptions of division, despite all of the efforts at separation, despite all of the organized distancing. We dove right into all of the unrequited yet stated and duly acknowledged spaces we could explore and uncover privately. 16;37;18 We cried out loud. His belt, his grief for having not spoken to my dad before he left and then just as loudly we'd laugh about the best of stories, and some that can't be repeated. He was really funny. What was significant as brothers for my father and Ali was their ability to discuss openly anything, all facets of life, namely, the true meaning, as men with great responsibilities be bestowed to them of how to make an equitable difference in the lives of others. A unifying topic was faith and ecumenical faith, respect for faith, all faiths, even if belonging to one specific religion or none, the root of such being the gift of faith itself so in his own words he wrote, "We all have the same God. We just serve him differently. Rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, oceans, all have different names but they all contain water. So do religions have different names and yet they all contain truth. Truth expressed in different ways and forms and times. It doesn't matter whether you're a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew. When you believe in god, you should believe all people are part of one family. [ Applause ] 16;39;11 For if you love god, you can't love only some of his children. [ Applause ] His words and certainly ideals shared by both men, love is a mighty thing, devotion is a mighty thing and truth always reigns. Having Muhammad Ali in my life somehow sustained my dad's breath for me a little while longer. 51 years longer until now. (WEEPING) [Applause] I am forever grateful at our union on this Earth together allowed for me a continuum of shared understanding, preserved confidentialities and the comfort of living in his home town of Louisville Kentucky for the past six years. [ Applause ] 16;40;26 That was not a plan. And mostly for the gift of knowing and loving his wife and children forever forward as my own family, know that. As the last of the paternity reaches the heavens, my heart is rendered ever longingly for that tribe. The tribe of purpose, the tribe of significance, tribe of confidence, tribe of character, tribe of duty, tribe of faith, tribe of service. We must make sure that the principle of men and women, like Muhammad Ali and others, whom dedicated their very being to assure that you get to recognize your own glory, is sustained and passed on like that olympic torch. My dad would offer in state when concluding or parting from another, may we meet again in the light of understanding and I say to you with the light of that compass by any means necessary. 16;42;09 >> Ladies and gentlemen, representing the president of the United States and Mrs. Obama, miss Valerie Jarrett. [ Applause ] 16;42;24 >>Valerie Jarrett: Good afternoon. On behalf of president Obama and Mrs. Obama, I wish to express to you their deepest regret that they couldn't be with us here today as we celebrate the extraordinary life of Muhammad Ali. I first met Muhammad Ali over 45 years ago through his friendship with my uncle Jean and he, my uncle, would be so touched that his son gene is a pallbearer here today. Thank you, Lonnie. Because of my family connection, the president and first lady asked me if I would read this tribute to you, penned by president Obama. 16;43;15 It was 1980, an epic career was in its twilight. Everybody knew it. Probably including the champ himself. Ali went into one of his final fights an underdog. All of the smart money was on the new champ, Larry Holmes. And in the end, the oddsmakers were right. A few hours later, at 4 A.M., after the loss, after the fans had gone home and the sports writers were writing their final take, a sports writer asked a restroom attendant if he had bet on the fight. The man, black and getting on in years, said he had put his money on Ali. 16;44;05 The writer asked why. Why, the man said? Why? Because he's Muhammad Ali. That's why. He said, mister, I'm 72 years old and I owe the man for giving me my dignity. [ Applause ] To Lonnie and the Ali family, president Clinton and an arena full of distinguished guests, you are amazing. The man we celebrate today is not just a boxer or a poet or an agitator or a man of peace, not just a Muslim or a black man or a Louisville kid. He wasn't even just the greatest of all time. He was Muhammad Ali.The whole far greater than the sum of its parts. He was bigger, brighter and more original and influential than just about anyone of his era. [ Applause ] 16;45;30 You couldn't have made him up and, yes, he was pretty, too. He had fans in every city, every village, every ghetto on the planet. He was fettered by foreign heads of state, the beatles, British invasion took a detour to come to him. It seemed sometimes that the champ was simply too big for America. But I actually think that the world flocked to him in wonder precisely because, as he once put it, Muhammad Ali was America! Brash, defiant, pioneering, joyful, never tired, always game to test the odds. He was our most basic freedoms, religion, speech, spirit. 16;46;31 He embodied our ability to invent ourselves. His life spoke to our original sin of slavery and discrimination and the journey he traveled helped to shock our consciousness and lead us on a roundabout path towards salvation. And like America, he was always very much a work in progress. We do him a disservice to gauze up his story to sand down his rough edges to talk only of floating like butterflies and stinging like bees. Ali was a radical even in a radical of times. A loud and proud and unabashedly black voice in a Jim crow world. [ Applause ] 16;47;24 His jabs knocked some sense into us, yes, they did. Pushing us to expand our imagination and bring others into our understanding. Now, there were times when he swung a bit wildly. That's right. Wound up and accidently may have wronged the wrong opponent as he was the first to admit. But through all his triumphs and failures, Ali seemed to have achieved the sort of enlightenment and inner peace that we are all striving towards. In the '60s when other young men his age were leaving the country to avoid war or jail, he was asked why he didn't join them. He got angry. He said he'd never leave. His people, in his words, are here, the millions struggling for freedom and justice and equality and I could do a lot of help in jail or not right here in America. [ Applause ] 16;48;34 He'd have everything stripped from him, his titles, his standing, his money, his passion. Very nearly his freedom. But Ali still chose America. I imagine he knew that only here in this country could he win it all back. So he chose to help perfect a union where a descendent of slaves can become the king of the world. And in the process, in the process, lend some dignity to all of us. Maids, porters, students and elderly bathroom attendant and help inspire a young, mixed kid with a funny name to have the audacity to believe he could be anything, even the president of the United States! [ Applause ] 16;49;35 (shot of Ali's wife) Muhammad Ali was America. Muhammad Ali will always be America. What a man. What a spirit. What a joyous mightyful champion. God bless the greatness of Ali. God bless his family. And god bless this nation we love. Thank you very much. 16;50;28 ANNOUNCER VOICE: Ladies and gentlemen, Lonnie Ali. [ Applause ] >> Ali! Ali! Ali! 16;51;05 LONNIE ALI >> Assalamu alaikum. Peace be upon you. You know, I said something to Matt Lauer yesterday that I firmly believe Muhammad had something to do with all of this and I think we are right. Thank you all for being here to share in this final farewell to Muhammad. On behalf of the Ali family, let me first recognize our principal celebrant Imam _____ and Dr. Timothy Gianotti. We thank you for your dedication to helping us fulfill Muhammad's desire that the ceremonies of this past week reflect the traditions of his islamic faith. And as a family, we thank the millions of people who, through the miracle of social media, inspired by their love of Muhammad have reached out to us with their prayers. The messages have come to us in every language from every corner of the globe. From wherever you are watching, know that we have been humbled by your heartfelt expressions of love. It is only fitting that we gather in a city to which Muhammad always returned after his great triumphs. A city that has grown as Muhammad has grown. [ Applause ] 16;52;37 Muhammad never stopped loving Louisville. And we know that Louisville loves Muhammad. [Applause] We cannot forget a Louisville police officer, Joe Espy(?) Martin, who embraced a young 12-year-old boy in distress when his bicycle was stolen. Joe Martin handed young Cassius Clay -- sorry for tripping up that last word -- Clay, to a future in boxing he could scarcely have imagined. America must never forget that when a cop and an inner city kid talk to each other, then miracles can happen. [ Applause ] 16;53;49 Some years ago during his long struggle with Parkinson's in a meeting that included his closest advisors, Muhammad indicated when the end came for him, he wanted us to use his life and his death as a teaching moment for young people for his country and for the world. In effect, he wanted us to remind people who are suffering that he had seen the face of injustice, that he grew up in a segregation and that during his early life, he was not free to be who he wanted to be. But he never became embittered enough to quit or engage in violence. It was a time when a young black boy his age could be hung from a tree in Mississippi in 1955 whose admitted killers went free. 16;54;50 It was time when Muhammad's friends, people he admired, like Brother Malcolm and Dr. King were gunned down, and Nelson Mandela imprisoned for what they believed in. [ Applause ] For his part, Muhammad faced federal prosecution. He was stripped of his title and his license to box and he was sentenced to prison. But he would not be intimidated so as to abandon his principles and his values. 4:55-Lonnie emotional, almost cries 16;55;29 Muhammad wants young people of every background to see his life as proof that adversity can make you stronger. It cannot rob you of the power to dream and to reach your dreams. We built the Muhammad Ali center and that's the center of the Ali message. [ Applause ] Muhammad wants us to see the face of his religion, true Islam, as the face of love. It was his religion that caused him to turn away from war and violence, for his religion he was prepared to sacrifice all that he had and all that he was to protect his soul and follow the teachings of prophet Muhammad peace be upon you. 16;56;25 So even in death, Muhammad has something to say. He's saying that his faith required that he take the more difficult road. It is far more difficult to sacrifice oneself in the name of peace than to take up arms in pursuit of violence. [ Applause ] You know, all of his life, Muhammad was fascinated by travel. He was child-like in his encounter with new surroundings and new people. He took his world championship fights to the ends of the Earth, from the south pacific to Europe to the Congo. And, of course, with Muhammad, he believed it was his duty to let everyone see him in person because, after all, he was the greatest of all time. [ Applause ] The boy from grand avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, grew in wisdom and discovered something new, that the world really wasn't black and white at all. It was filled with many shades of rich colors, languages and religions. As he moved with ease around the world, the rich and powerful were drawn to him but he was drawn to the poor and the forgotten. [ Applause ] 16;57;53 Muhammad fell in love with the masses and they fell in love with him. In the diversity of men and their faiths, Muhammad saw the presence of god. He was captivated by the work of the dalai lama, by mother Teresa and church workers who gave their lives to protect the poor. When his mother died, he arranged for multiple faiths to be represented at her funeral and he wanted the same for himself. We are especially grateful for the presence of the diverse faith leaders here today. And I would like to ask them to stand once more and be recognized. [ Applause ] 16;58;35 Thank you. Thank you very much. You know, as I reflect on the life of my husband, it's easy to see his most obvious talents. His majesty in the ring as he danced under those lights, enshrined him as a champion for the ages. Less obvious was his extraordinary sense of timing. His knack for being in the right place at the right time seemed to be ordained by a higher power. Even those surrounded by Jim Crow, he was born into a family with two parents that nurtured and encouraged him. He was placed on the path of his dreams by a white cop and he had teachers who understood his dreams and wanted him to succeed. The olympic gold medal came and the world started to take notice. A group of successful businessmen in Louisville called the Louisville Sponsoring Group saw his potential, and helped him build a runway to launch his career. His timing was impeccable as he burst into the national stage just as television was hungry for a star to change the faith of sports. 17;00;02 You know, if Muhammad didn't like the rules, he rewrote them. His religion, his name, his beliefs were his to fashion, no matter what the cost. The timing of his actions coincided with a broader shift in cultural attitudes across America, particularly on college campuses. When he challenged the U.S. Government on the draft, his chance of success was slim to none. That the timing of his decision converged with a rising tide of discontent on the war. Public opinion shifted in his direction followed by a unanimous supreme court ruling in a stunning reversal of fortunes. He was free to return to the ring. When he traveled to central Africa to reclaim his title from George Foreman, none of the sports writers thought he could win. In fact, most of them feared for his life. But in what the Africans call the miracle at 4:00 A.M., he became a champion once more. [ Applause ] And as the years passed and those slowed by Parkinson's, Muhammad was compelled by his faith to use his name and his notoriety to support the victims of poverty and strife. He served as a UN messenger of peace and traveled to places like war-torn Afghanistan, he campaigned as an advocate for reducing the debt of third world debt. 17;01;42 He stunned the world when he secured the release of 15 hostages from Iraq. [ applause ] As his voice grew softer, his message took on greater meeting. He came full circle with the people of his country. When he lit a torch that seemed to create new light in the 1996 Olympics. [ Applause ] Muhammad always knew instinctively the road he needed to travel. His friends know what I mean when I say he lived in the moment. He neither dwelled in the past nor harbored anxiety about the future. Muhammad loved to laugh and he loved to play practical jokes on just about everybody. He was sure-footed in his self-awareness, secure in his faith and he did not fear death. Yet, his timing is once again poignant. His passing and his meaning for our time should not be overlooked. As we face uncertainty in a world and divisions at home, as to who we are as a people, Muhammad's life provides useful guidance. 17;02;58 Muhammad was not one to give up on the power of understanding, the boundless possibilities of love and the strength of our diversity. He counted among his friends people of all political persuasions, saw truth in all faith and the nobility of all races as witnessed here today. Muhammad may have challenged his government but he never ran from it or from America. [ Applause ] He loved this country and he understood the hard choices that are born of freedom. I think he saw a nation's soul measured by the soul of its people. For his part, he saw the good soul in everyone and if you were one of the lucky ones to have met him, you know what I meant. He awoke every morning thinking about his own salvation and he would often say, I just want to get to heaven and I've got to do a lot of good deeds to get there. And I think Muhammad's hope is that his life provides some guidance on how we might achieve for all people what we aspire for ourselves and our families. Thank you. [ Applause ] 17;04;38 ANNOUNCER>> Ladies and gentlemen, Maryam Ali. 17;04;50 MARYAM ALI >> Peace be with you, everyone here, and on behalf of the Ali family, I just want to say thank you to Louisville, Kentucky, all the love you've shown us in our lives has been unbelievable. Also, I want to thank the entire globe. My father was loved all over. The processional today was overwhelming but it was so beautiful. I just want to say we love you just like you love us. Thank you very much. [ Applause ] 17;05;23 As you know, my father loved poetry. He was always rhyming and promoting his fights and he had poems of the heart, spiritual poems and poems to promote and I just wrote a piece for him, in honor of him on behalf of my sisters and brothers and everyone who loved my father. It's called "Thank you our dear father." My heart was sore when your sick spirit soared. Your physical body is no more but my mind tells different tales of all that you taught me, your family and the masses. 17;06;02 Most importantly, the belief in god who created humanity to thrive in quality. You fought for a purpose to uphold the principle that we as a people have divine human rights. Staring right into the eyes of oppression, you proclaim your beautiful complexion. Your god-given skills, your independent will and the freedom of your faith. As your daughter, I am grateful for all of our conversations about men, women and relationships. Guiding me to first have a loving relationship with self, refusing anyone to chip away at my esteem and expect the respect of a queen. [ Applause ] Thank you, our dear father, for asking us to think about our purpose and showing us the beauty of service to others. We marvel that your sincere love for people as you treated all who approached you with dignity. Whether they were rich or poor, your kindness was unconditional. Never perceiving anyone as beneath you. 17;07;25 So many have shared personal stories about what you have meant to them as you have exemplified values and qualities that have enhanced their lives. If I had every dollar for every story, I could pay for the sky. Your family is so proud of the legacy you left behind. But I hope that the history of you can help turn the tide of self-hate and violence, because we are overwhelmed with moments of silence for tragic deaths. Here on the soil, American soil, in the Middle East or anywhere else in this world, we crave for peace. That peace that you rest in now. We will forever cherish the 74 years you graced this Earth. You will be greatly missed. But now we send you off in celebration, a blown kiss and prayers. As you enter your final round. God's last boxing bell will sound in heaven. I love you, we all love you. Thank you very much. 17;09;02 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Rasheda Ali Walsh. 17;09;20 RASHEDA ALI >> I'm, we are so honored that you have packed this room with your love. Thank you all. Thank you so much for being here today. To celebrate our father. You are the greatest father to us. And it was God's will to take you home. Your family will try our best to make you proud, and carry on your legacy of giving and love. You have inspired us in the world to be the best version of ourselves. May you live in paradise, free from suffering. You shook up the world in life. Now you're shaking up the world in death. 17;10;23 (shot of Ali's wife holding back tears) Daddy is looking at us now, right and saying, I told you I was the greatest! No one compares to you, daddy. You once said I know where I'm going. And I know the truth. And I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be who I am. Now you are free to be with your creator. We love you so much, daddy. Until we meet again, fly, butterfly, fly. [ Applause ] 17;11;45 ALI DINICOLA Hello. My name is Ali DiNicola. I was born on Muhammad Ali's birthday, I was named after him. He used to call me the little greatest. We can all learn from Muhammad's example of kindness and understanding. When Muhammad was asked how he would like to be remembered, he said I like to, I like for them to say he took a few cups of love, he took one tablespoon of patience, one teaspoon of generosity, one pint of kindness, he took one court of laughter, one pinch of concern and then he mixed willingness with happiness, he added lots of faith and he stirred it up well. He spread it over a span of a lifetime. And he served it to each and every deserving person he met. Thank you. 17;12;56 ANNOUNCER>>> Ladies and gentlemen, Natasha boncouer. Natasha boncouer: Before I begin, I would just like to say that I'm truly humbled and honored to be here. And I would like to thank the Muhammad Ali center and the Ali family for giving me the opportunity to speak. And to echo the voice that Muhammad has given me. So let me tell you a story about a man. A man who refused to believe that reality was limitation to achieve the impossible. A man who once reached up through the pages of a textbook and touched the heart of an 8-year-old girl. Whose reflection of herself mirrored those who cannot see past the color of her skin. But instead of drawing on that pain from the distorted reality, she found strength. Just as this man did when he stood tall in the face of pelting rain and shouted -- I am the disturbance in the sea of your complacency. And I will never stop shaking your waves. 17;14;30 And his voice echoed through hers. Through mine. And she picked up the rocks that were thrown at her and she threw them back with a voice so powerful that it turned all the pain that she had faced in her life into strength. And tenacity. And now that 8-year-old girl stands before you, to tell you that Ali's cry still shakes these waves today. 17;15;11 (shot of Ali's wife) That we are to find strength in our identities. Whether we are black or white or Asian or hispanic. Lgbt, disabled or able-bodied. Muslim, jewish, hindu or Christian. His cry represents those who have not been heard, and invalidates the idea that we are to be confirmed to one normative standard. That is what it means to defeat the impossible. Because impossible is not a fact, impossible is an opinion. Impossible is nothing! [ Applause ] 17;16;15 When I look into this crowd I smile. I smile to recognize that he is not really gone. He lives in you and he lives in me. And he lives in every person that he has touched in every corner of this world. (shot of Ali's wife) Reality was never a limitation for Ali. For us, just as every punch his opponents threw, impossible is never enough to knock us down. Because we are Ali. We are greater than the rocks or the punches that we throw at each other. We have the ability to empower and inspire and to connect and to unify and that will live on forever. So let me tell you a story about a man. His name is Muhammed Ali. He is the greatest of all time. He is from Louisville, Kentucky and he lives in each and every one of us. (shot of Ali's wife) And his story is far from over. Thank you. [ Cheers and applause ] [ Applause ] (shot of Ali's wife applauding) 17;18;26 ANNOUNCER>> Ladies and gentlemen, John Ramsey. 17;18;35 John Ramsey First of all, on behalf of my fellow Louisvillians to the Ali family, we offer our condolences our heartfelt prayers and for Lonnie Ali a very special prayer. We know that Muhammad was blessed with many gifts but none more precious than Lonnie Ali and we thank you so much. (shot of Ali's wife) You know, I've got to tell you, Louisville, when I was in the procession today and saw the tens and thousands of people and all of the warmth and the love and the respect that was shown for Muhammad, I've got to tell you, my heart swelled with pride. I know he was watching from above and I know he absolutely loved it. He-- I don't think he'd be surprised. I think Muhammad would say, Louisville, Kentucky, the greatest city of all times. I'm feeling good. Man. I tell you what, how can we lose with the stuff we use? [ laughter] I'm feeling so good, I think I'm going to make a comeback and change my name back to Walnut street. That's how good I feel. [ laughter ] 17;19;46 You know, for me, I always felt connected to Muhammad even before I had met him. You know, maybe it was the fact that I was a Louisville boy. Maybe it's the fact that I loved the Louisville Cardinals, like Muhammad. You know, but as our relationship evolved, I found that a lot of people felt this personal connection with Muhammad. And that's part of the Ali magic. You know, initially, for a lot of men my age and certainly myself, it was the athlete that I was attracted to. I mean, that kind of size, that kind of speed, agility, that grace not only made him the heavyweight champion of the world three times but it made him "Sports illustrated" sportsman of the century, the A.P. Athlete of the century and certainly made him the athlete -- a once in a lifetime athlete. But I would argue that the combination of compassion, kindness, love and the ability to lift us up made him a once in a lifetime person. [ Applause ] 17;20;55 You know, Muhammad was blessed with many gifts, as I said, and he was a wise and faithful steward of those gifts. There's many stories about Muhammad but there is a couple that really to me encapsulate what he was all about. I remember back in 2000, I made a trip to the summer olympics with Muhammad and one day he decided we were going to go see a boxing match and I remember we're ringside, the American wins, 15,000 people are chanting, usa, usa! And I thought, this is my olympic moment. You know, I was filled with patriotic pride. The boxer came down from the ring, he took the obligatory picture with Muhammad, the fist to chin shot, hundreds of photographers from around the world were taking pictures, you know, thousands of people cheering for Muhammad and this victorious fighter. 17;21;47 And then Muhammad leaned down to me whispered in my ear, he said, I want to see the loser. I say, excuse me? I want to see the loser. So, I motioned over to an Olympic official and I said, you know Muhammad wants to see the loser. Can we go to the losing locker room? And we get to the losing locker room and there's not tens of thousands of people, there's not any photographers. There's just a kid in the corner on a stool, he's got a towel around his neck, he's got a bloody mouth under his eye. This has got to be the lowest point of his athletic career at the very least. He felt like he let down his country. He is defeated. And the vibe in that room was literally the lowest of low. But then when Muhammad walks in, this kid recognizes him instantly and in broken English he says Muhammad Ali and Muhammad started dancing he said show me what you've got man, show me, and Mohammad starts throwing out jabs and this kid starts ducking and smiling. Muhammad grabs him in a bear hug. He said, I saw what you did out there, man, you look good. You are moving good, you can be a champion, man. Don't give up. And I remember, it warmed my heart how he took this kid from here to here in an instant. 17;22;58 And -- [ applause ] And I remember, I got in the car and I said to Muhammad, I said, Mohammad try to be a nice guy but I've got to tell you, I was caught up in the moment. I didn't give that losing fighter a second thought. I said mohammad you're the greatest. Muhammad said, tell me something I don't already know. [ laughter ] He -- and -- but what I don't want people to forget, no doubt, to me he's the finest example of a human that I've ever seen. The finest example of a great human being that I've ever seen of the kindness that a human possesses. That was Muhammad Ali, but don't forget about this, man. Muhammad was the coolest cat in the room. I mean, he was good looking, he had charm, he had charisma, he had swagger before he knew that swagger was. I mean, I remember, I went to -- when -- was about 25 years ago, he came to town to visit his mother and he wanted to go to outback steakhouse. I has a friend there, was big Mohammad fan, so we came in and at the time here in Louisville, there was a fireman's convention and all of these guys had their engine numbers on their shirt and sure enough I had seen this thing a million times. Man, these guys line up for an autograph. I said, to Muhammad, I said Muhammad, if you'd like, I'll play the bad guy. You know I tell them to let you eat, and you can sign autographs later. 17;24;25 Muhammad would have none of it. He said, no, I'll sign between bites. He's taking bites of his food and he's signing. This one guy walks up, and you could tell he was a big fan. I mean he knew Muhammad. He was scared to death, he-- all of his adrenaline, he said Champ, he said I saw the stand you made, in the civil rights movement, I saw your stand against the Vietnam war. He said, I've got to tell you, champ, you're my hero. He said, I've got a picture of you at my firehouse. You are my hero. Muhammad instantly he wanted to change the channel. So he said to the guy, he said, you know, you're the real hero jumping in fire, saving lives, saving babies, putting your life on the line, he said, man, you are the real hero. And the fireman responds real quickly. I mean he knew all of the nicknames, he said, man, but you, you fought the bear, sonny Liston. He said, You fought the rabbit, patterson, you fought big George Foreman, you fought smokin Joe Frazier. 17;25;15 And Muhammad interrupted real quick and he goes, yeah, but Joe wasn't really smoking. [ laughter ] And I said, Muhammad that's a good line. He goes, you're right. Write that down. But it wasn't all about signing autographs and kissing babies. If there was a village that needed food in a third-world country, Muhammad was on the plane, will travel with check. If there was a conflict and he could be part of a resolution, again, Muhammad will travel. As Lonnie had mentioned, if there were hostages to be released, Muhammad was a man of action. One of my favorite quotes and I think it's right here in your program, Muhammad said service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth and I just want to say, champ, your rent is paid in full. Your rent is paid in full. [ Applause ] Your rent is paid in full! 17;26;15 (shot of Ali's wife standing up clapping) And you know, in fact, I think he's paid it forward. Because he has taught us to love rather than to hate. To look for commonalities rather than differences. So therefore I think he's really paid it forward for all of us. So, as we all know now, you know, the fight is over but I'm here to tell you, the decision is in and it is unanimous, because of Muhammad Ali, we all win. The world wins. Thank you so much, Muhammad. It is time for a man of peace to rest in peace. And thank you so very much. 17;27;30 BILLY CRYSTAL >> Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We're at the halfway point. I was clean shaven when this started. Dear Lonnie, family, friends, Mr. President, members of the clergy, all of these amazing people here in Louisville, today this outpouring of love and respect proves that 35 years after he stopped fighting, he is still the champion of the world. [ Applause ] Last week, when we heard the news, time stopped. There was no war, there were no terrorists, no global catastrophes. The world stopped, took a deep breath and sighed. Since then, my mind has been racing through my relationship with this amazing man, which is now 42 years that I've known him. Every moment I can think of is cherished. While others can tell you of his accomplishments, he wanted me to speak and tell you of some personal moments we had together. 17;28;52 I met him in 1974. I was just getting started as a stand-up comedian and struggling. But I had one good routine. It was a three-minute conversation between Howard and Muhammad where I would imitate both of them. Muhammad had just defeated George foreman and sports magazine made him the man of the year. A great man, editor for "Sport," was going to host this televised dinner honoring Muhammad. So dick called my agent looking for a comedian who did some sports material. As fate would have it, that comedian was not available and she wisely said -- it's destiny, man. And she wisely said, but listen, I've got this young kid and he does this great imitation and I don't know why, but dick said, okay, I'll try him. I couldn't believe it. My first time on television and it would be with Ali. I ran to the plaza hotel, the event was packed. He said, how should I introduce you? No one knows who you are. And I said, just say I'm one of Ali's closest and dearest friends. And my thought was, I'll get right to the microphone, go into my how word cosell and I'll be fine and I move into the jam ballroom and that's when I saw him for the first time in person. It's very hard to describe how much he meant to me. You had to live in his time. It's great to look at clips and it's amazing that we have them but to live in his time, watching his fights, his experience of the genius of his talent was absolutely extraordinary. Every one of his fights was the aura of a super bowl. He predicted the round that he would knock somebody out and then he would do it. He was funny. He was beautiful. 17;30;57 He was the most perfect athlete you ever saw and those were his own words. But he was so much more than a fighter as time went on, with Bobby Kennedy gone, martin Luther king gone, Malcolm X gone, who was there to relate to when Vietnam exploded in our face? There were millions of young men my age, eligible for the draft for a war that we didn't believe in. And all of us huddled on the conveyor belt that was rapidly feeding the was machine. But it was Ali who stood up for us by standing up for himself. And after he was stripped of the title-- after he was stripped of the title and the right to fight anywhere in the world, he gave speeches at colleges and on television that totally reached me. He seemed as comfortable talking to kings and queens as the lost and unrequited. 17;31;49 He never lost his sense of humor even as he lost everything else, he was always himself, willing to give up everything for what he believed in. And his passionate rhetoric about the life and plight of black people in our country resonated strongly in my house. I grew up in a house that was dedicated to civil rights. My father was a producer of jazz concerts in New York City and was one of the first to integrate bands in the 40s and 50s. Jazz musicians referred to my dad as the branch rickey of Jazz concerts. My uncle and my family, jewish people, produced strange fruit, billie holiday's classic song describing the lynching of African-Americans in this country. And so I felt him, and now there he was just a few feet from me. I couldn't stop looking at him and he seemed to like glow and he was like in slow motion, his amazing face smiling and laughing. 17;32;41 I was seated a few seats from him on the day I said, and in the room all of these athletes in their individual sports, great ones, Gino Marchetti, of the Baltimore Cults, Franco Harries of the Steelers, Archie Griffith who won the Heisman from Ohio state, literally legends, Neil Simon, george plimton, all in a day fawning over Ali who then looked at me [laughter] with an expression that seemed to say what is Joe gray doing here? Mr. Schapp introduced me as one of Ali's closest and dearest friends. Two people clapped. My wife and the agent. I rose, Ali is still staring at me, I passed right behind him, got to the podium, went right into Cocell, hello, everyone, Howard Cocell coming to you live from Zaire. Some people would pronounce it Zaire. They are wrong. It got big laughs and then I went into the Ali. 17;33;49 Everybody's talking about George Foreman, talking about George foreman, george Forman is ugly, he's just so slow. George was slow. I kind of-- and then I got-- and I'm still faster at 33 years of age. I'm so fast I can turn the lights be in my bed before the room gets dark. [ Applause ] (shot of Ali's wife) I'm announcing tonight that I've got new religious beliefs. From now on I want to be known as Ezzie escowitz (?) I am now an orthodox Jew Izzie Escowitz (?) and I am the greatest of all time. [ Applause ] The audience exploded. See, no one had ever done him before and here he was a white kid from Long Island imitating the greatest of all time and he was loving it. When I was done, he gave me this big bear hug and he whispered in my ear, you're my little brother. 17;34;46 Which is what he always called me until the last time that I saw him. We were always there for each other. If he needed me for something, I was there.He came for anything I asked him to do. Most memorable, he was an honorary chairman for a dinner and a very important event where I was being honored by the hebrew university in Jerusalem. He did all of this promotion for it. He came to the dinner. He sat with my family the entire evening. He took photographs with everybody. The most famous Muslim man in the world honoring his jewish friend. And -- [ applause ] 17;35;26 Because he was there, because he was there, we raised a great deal of money and I was able to use it to endow the university in Jerusalem with something that I told to him about and it was something that he loved the theory of. And it thrives to this day. It's called peace through the performing arts. It's a theater group where Israeli, Arab and Palestinian actors, writers and directors all work together in peace creating original works of art. [ Applause ] And that doesn't happen without him. I had so many -- so many funny and unusual moments with him. I sat next to him at Howard Cosell's funeral, a very somber day to be sure. Closed casket was on the stage, Muhammad and I were sitting somewhere over there next to each other. And he quietly whispered to me, little brother, do you think he's wearing his hairpiece? [ Laughter ] 17;36;30 So I said, I don't think so. Well, then how will god recognize him? [ Laughter ] So I said, champ, once he opens his mouth, God will know. So we started laughing. It was a muffled laugh at first but then we couldn't contain ourselves. There we were, at a funeral, me with Muhammad Ali laughing like two little kids who heard something dirty in church, you know, we were just laughing and laughing. And then he looked at me and he said, Howard was a good man. One time he asked me if I would like to run with him one morning. Do road work with him. I said, that would be amazing. I said, where do you run? He said, I run at this country club and I run on the golf course early in the morning, it's very private, nobody bothers me. We'll have a great time. I said, champ, I can't run there. The club has a reputation for being restricted. What does restricted mean? They don't allow Jews there. They don't have any jewish members. He was incensed. 17;37;38 I'm a black Muslim and they let me run there. Little brother, I'm never going to run there again. And he didn't. [ Applause ] My favorite memory was 1979. He had just retired and there was a retirement party at the forum in los Angeles for Muhammad and 20,000 of his closest friends in los Angeles. I performed a piece that I had created, the imitation had grown into a life story. It's called 15 rounds. And I'd play them from the age of 18 until he's 36 ready for the rematch with Leon Spinks. I posted it on the internet last week, footage that nobody had ever seen before, of me portraying Ali doing his life for him all those years ago in 1979. There were 20,000 people there. But I was doing it only for him. That's one of my favorite performances that I have ever done in my life. I sort of got lost in him. I didn't even know where I was at the end of the performance. And suddenly I'm backstage with another heavyweight champion, Richard Pryor and Pryor 's holding on to me crying and then I see Ali coming and he's got a full head of steam, he is looking only at me, nudged Mr. Pryor aside and he whispered in my ear with a big bear hug, little brother, you made my life better than it was. 17;39;10 But didn't he make all of our lives a little bit better than they were? [ Applause ] That -- that, my friends, is my history with the man that I've labored to come up with a way to describe the legend. He was a tremendous bolt of lightning created by mother nature out of thin air, a fantastic combination of power and beauty. We've seen still photographs of lightning bolts at the moment of impact, ferocious in his strength and magnificent in his elegance. And at the moment of impact it lights up everything around it. So you can see everything clearly. Muhammad Ali struck us in the middle of America's darkest night, in the heart of its most threatening gathering storm, his power toppled the mightiest of foes and its intense light shone on America and we were able to see clearly injustice, inequality, poverty, pride, self-realization, courage, laughter, love, joy, religious freedom for all. 17;40;18 Ali forced us to take a look at ourselves. This young man who thrilled us, angered us, confused and challenged us ultimately became a silent messenger of peace who taught us that life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls. [Applause] (shot of Ali's wife) 17;40;50 My friends, only once in a thousand years or so do we get to hear a mozart or see a Picasso, read a Shakespeare. Ali was one of them and yet at his heart he was still a kid from Louisville who ran with the gods and walked with the crippled and smiled at the foolishness of it all. He is gone but he will never die. He was my big brother. Thank you. [ Applause ] 17;41;47 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Bryant Gumbel. 17;41;58 BRYANT GUMBEL >> The great Maya Angelou who was herself no stranger to fame wrote that ultimately people forget what you said and people will forget what you did but that no one will ever forget how you made them feel. That's applied to Muhammad Ali, the march of time may one day diminish his boast and his poetry, maybe even his butterflies and bees. It may even one day dull the memories of the thrilla in Manila and the rumble in the jungle. But I doubt any of us will ever forget how Muhammad Ali made us feel. I'm not talking about how proud he made you feel with his exploits or how special he made you feel when you were privileged enough to be in his company.I'm talking about how he ripped our hearts and our souls and our conscience and made our fights his fights for decades. People like me, who were once young, semi-gifted and black will never forget what he freed within us. Some of us like him took pride in being black, bold and brash. And because we were so unapologetic, we were in the eyes of many, way too uppity. We were way too arrogant. Yet we reveled in being like him. By stretching society's boundaries as he did, he gave us levels of strength and courage we didn't even know we had. But Ali's impact was not limited to those of a certain race or of a certain religion or of a certain mindset. The greatness of this man for the ages was that he was, in fact, a man for all ages. Has any man ever a greater arc to his life? What does it say of a man, any man that he can go from being viewed as one of his country's most polarizing figures to arguably his most beloved. [ Applause ] And to do so without changing his nature or, for a second, compromising his principles. Yeah, you know, there were great pauses and national movements and huge divisions that afforded Ali unusual opportunities to symbolize our struggles. But Harry Truman had it right when he said men make history and not the other way around. Or as Lauren hill so nicely put it, consequence is no coincidence. Befitting his stature as the goat, Muhammad Ali never shied away from a fight. He fought not just the biggest and baddest men of his day inside the ropes but outside the ring he also went toe to toe with critics, outside of societal norms, the U.S. Government. He even fought ultimately to his detriment the limitations of father time. Strictly speaking, fighting is what he did. But he broadened that definition by sharing his struggles with us and by viewing our struggles as his. And so it was that at various times he accepted and led battles on behalf of his race in support of his generation, in defense of his religious beliefs and ultimately in spite of his disease. I happen to have been overseas working in Norway this past week. My buddy Matt called. Told me the champ had been taken to the hospital. This time it was really serious. Right away I called Lonnie who was, as always, a pillar of strength. And as we discussed the medical details, the doctors' views and the ugly realities of mortality, Lonnie said, Bryant, the world still needs him and indeed it does. The world needs a champion who always worked to bridge the economic and social divides that threaten the nation that he dearly loved. The world needs a champion that always symbolized the best of Islam to offset the hatred born of fear. And the world needs a champion who believed in fairness and inclusion for all. Hating people because of their color is wrong, Ali said, and it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong. [ Applause ] Yeah, we do need Muhammad Ali now. We needed strength and the hope, the compassion, the conviction that he always demonstrated. But this time, our beloved champion is down. And for once he will not get up. Not this time. Not ever again. Let me close with a quick personal story. 50 years ago, Muhammad Ali defeated George devalo in Toronto, Canada. The very next day, he showed up in my neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. As Ali got out of the car in the driveway at the home, I happened to be next door shooting hoops in a friend's backyard. I, of course, quickly ran to the fence and for the first time in I was 17. I was awe struck. And man, I thought he was the greatest. Now a half century and a lifetime of experiences later, I am still awe struck and I am convinced more than ever that Muhammad Ali is the greatest. [ Applause ] To be standing here by virtue of his and Lonnie's request, is an honor. To be here today as he goes to his grave is a moment I will take to mine. God bless you, champ. [ Applause ] >> Ladies and gentlemen, the 42nd president of the united States, the honorable William Jefferson Clinton. [ Applause ] WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL 558P WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL P2 17;51;17 BILL CLINTON >> Thank you. I can just hear Muhammad saying now well, I thought I should be eulogized by at least one president and by making you last in a long, long, long line, I guarantee you a standing ovation. I am trying to think of what has been left unsaid. First, Lonnie, I thank you and the members of the family for telling me that he actually as Bryant said picked us all to speak and giving me a chance to come here, and I thank you for what you did to make the second now well, I thought I should be eulogized by at least one president and by making you last in a long, long, long line, I guarantee you a standing ovation. 17;51;51 I am trying to think of what has been left unsaid. First, Lonnie, I thank you and the members of the family for telling me that he actually as Bryant said picked us all to speak and giving me a chance to come here, and I thank you for what you did to make the second half of his life greater than the first. Thank you for the Muhammad Ali center and what it has come to represent to so many people. Here's what I'd like to say. I spent a lot of time now as I get older and older and older trying to figure out what makes people tick, how do they turn out the way they are, how do some people refuse to become victims and rise from every defeat. We've all seen the beautiful pictures of the home of Muhammad Ali and people visiting and driving by. I think you decided something I hope every young person here will decide. I think he decided very young to write his own life story. 17;53;39 I think he decided before he could possibly have worked it all out and before fate and time could work their will on him, he decided that he would not be ever disempowered. He decided not his race or his place or expectations of others, positive, negative or otherwise would stop him from writing his own story. He decided first to use these stunning gifts. His strength and speed in the ring, his wit and way with words, and managing the public, and finding out at a fairly young age who he was, what he believed, and how to live with the consequences of acting on what he believed. 17;54;50 A lot of people make it to steps one and two and still just can't quite manage living with the consequences of what he believed. For the longest time in spite of all the wonderful things that have been said here, I remember thinking when I was a kid this guy is so smart and he never got credit for being as smart as he was. And then I don't think he ever got the credit for being, until later, as wise as he was. In the end besides being a lot of fun to be around and basically universal soldier for our common humanity, I will always think of Muhammad as a truly free man of faith. 17;55;50 And being a man of faith he realized he would never be in full control of his life. Something like Parkinson's could come along. But being free, he realized that life still was open to choices. It is choices that Muhammad Ali made that brought us all here today in honor and love. And the only other thing I would like to say, the first part of his life was dominated by the triumph of his truly unique gifts. We should never forget them, we should never stop looking at the movies. Thank Will Smith for making his movie. We should all be thrilled. It was a thing of beauty. But the second part of his life was more important because he refused to be imprisoned by a disease that kept him hamstrung longer than Mandela was kept in prison in South Africa. 17;57;20 That is in the second half of his life, he perfected gifts that we all have, every single solitary one of us have gifts of mind and heart. It is just that he found a way to release them in ways large and small. I asked Lonnie the time when they were still living in Michigan and I gave a speech in southwest Michigan to an economic club there, and sort of a ritual when a president leaves office, and you know, you had to get reacclimated, nobody plays a song when you walk in a room any more, you don't really know what you're supposed to do, and this club, the economic club, they're used to acting like you deserve to be listened to, they have to be reacclimated. So they came to me to this dinner and he sat with me at this dinner. 17;58;26 And he knew, somehow he knew that I was a little off my feet that night. I was trying to imagine how to make this new life and so he told me a really bad joke. And he told it so well and he laughed so hard that I totally got on board and had a great time. He had that feel about, you know, there's no textbook for that, knowing where somebody else is in their head, picking up the body language. Then Lonnie and Muhammad got me to come here when we had the dedication of the Muhammad Ali center, and I was trying to be incredibly gray haired elder states man, dignified, I have to elevate this guy, I am saying all this stuff in high tone, language, and Muhammad sneaks up behind me, puts his fingers up. (shot of wife laughing) 17;58;35 Finally after all the years we had been friends, my endearing image of him is like three shots. The boxer, the man I watched take the last steps to light the olympic flame when I was president, and I'll never forget it, I was sitting there in Atlanta, we knew each other, by then I felt I had some sense of what he was living with, and I was still weeping like a baby, seeing his hands shake, his legs shake, and knowing by god he was going to make those last few steps no matter what it took, the flame would be lit, the fight would be won. I knew it would happen. [ Applause ] 5532 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE FIBER PATH POOL P2 18;00;49 And then this. The children whose lives he touched, the young people he inspired. That's the most important thing of all. So ask you to remember that. We all have an Ali story. It's the gift we all have that should be most honored today because he released them to the world. Never wasting a day the rest of us could see feeling sorry he had Parkinson's, knowing more than three decades of his life would be circumscribed in ways that would be chilling to the naked eye. 18;01;43 But with the free spirit it made his life bigger, not smaller. Because other people, all of us unlettered, unschooled said would you look at that. Look at that. May not be able to run across the ring any more, may not be able to dodge everybody, exhaust everybody any more, and he's bigger than ever because he is a free man of faith sharing the gifts we all have. We should honor him by letting our gifts go among the world as he did. God bless you, my friend, go in peace.

CBS POOL FTG MUHAMMAD ALI MEMORIAL SERVICEH/T JAKE INGRASSIA, PAOLA CONTARDO AND SUNNY CHOO WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL 15;10:47 Bill Clinton walks in 15;11;45 -- service starts 15;11;49 >> All praises due to the lord god of the world. Now please be seated, ladies and gentlemen. In accordance with Muslim tradition, and consistent with the wishes of Muhammad Ali, may god have mercy on him. We begin this program with a brief recitation from the Koran, the scripture of the muslims. A young Imam of the midtown mosque in Memphis, Tennessee, where he's spearheading a neighborhood renewal effort in one of the most blighted neighborhood in Memphis and that effort is centered around the mosque, one of the few African-American graduates of the university. He will share with us a few verses from the Koran. 15;12;50 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Hamza Abdul Malik. [ Applause ] [ Speaking foreign language ] 15;13;12 [ Speaking foreign language ] [ Speaking foreign language ] 15;17;10 (shot of Ali's wife) >> Now with the translation of those verses we would like to bring to the stage the second generation daughter of Syrian immigrants. She's an excellent student. In her spare time, in recent years, she raises money to provide medical supplies, surgical instruments and other forms of medical assistance for Syrian refugees fleeing from the horror of the current conflict in that land and we pray that almighty god brings it to a succession soon. 15;18;00 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Ia Kutma. [ Applause ] 15;18;14 >> In the name of god, the most gracious, the most merciful, truly those who say our lord is god and our upright the angels will descend upon them saying, have neither fear nor sadness, but rather, rejoice in this paradise that you have been promised. We are your allies in this lower life in the hereafter. Where you will have your heart's desire and you will have whatever you ask for. Hospitably from the one most forgiving, most merciful. Who is more beautiful in speech than the one who invites to god and does righteous works saying, truly, I am submitted to god? For good and evil are not equal. 15;19;13 Repel ugliness with beauty and behold the one between you and whom there was enmity is transformed into a warm friend. But no one arrives at the station without great patience and immense fortune. Through prostration, chapter 41 verses 30 to 35. Thank you. [Applause] 15;19;45 (shot of Ali's daughter) >> I forgot to mention that she is a louisvillean, a proud resident of this city. [Applause] 15:20 15;20;05 >> Oh, god, miss this day of ours, you are our protector. What an excellent protector, an excellent helper. Honorable president Bill William J. Clinton, distinguished guests, viewing audience, on behalf of the Ali family, and the city of Louisville, Kentucky, the home of the people's champ. [Applause] 15;20;50 >> Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali. [Chanting] Ali, Ali. 15;21;00 >> We're dealing with time here, folks. Louisville, Kentucky, admirably led by mayor Greg fisher, I would like to welcome you. Give it up for the mayor. [Applause] >> I would like to welcome you to this memorial service for the people's champ, Muhammad Ali. And this time, we would like to introduce our first speaker. Dr. Reverend Kevin W. Cosby. [Applause] 15;21;50 >> Were it not for time, since Cosby rhymes with Ali, we would we would say, Cosby, Cosby, but time doesn't permit. Reverend Cosby is senior pastor of St. Steven church in Louisville, Kentucky. Due greatly to his dynamic bible teachings his congregation has grown over the long years of his ministry. Reverend Cosby combines passion, wit, and intellect as the foundation of the inspirational ministry that is transformed the lives of thousands of individuals. Reverend Cosby. [Applause] 15;22;39 >> Dr. Reverend Kevin W. Cosby: Thank you. I looked into the dictionary for the word, fidelity. And it had two words. Lonnie Ali. [Applause] 15;22;57 >> In 1967, nine months prior to his assassination and martyrdom, Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. Was interviewed by merv griffin on "The merv griffin show". Merv griffin asked Dr. King a relevant question. He said, Dr. King, what has been the greatest affect and impact that the civil rights struggle has had on the Negro? Dr. King paused and said, besides the dismantling of barriers that prohibited the Negro from free access, the greatest and most profound effect that the civil rights struggle had was that it infused in the Negro something that the anything Negro needed all along. 15:24:07 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;24;00 And that was a sense of somebodiness. You will never be able to appreciate what Dr. King meant when he said, the negro needed a sense of somebodiness until you understand the 350 years of nobodiness that was infused into the psyche of people of color. Every sacred document in our history, every hallowed institution, conspired to convince the African in America that when god made the African, that god was guilty of creative malfeasance. 15;24;55 All of the documents from the constitution said to the Negro, that you're nobody. The constitution said that we were three-fifths of a person. Decisions by the supreme court, like the dred Scott decision, said to the Negro, to the African, you had no rights that whites were bound to respect. And even Francis Scott key, in his writing of "The star spangled banner" we sang, verse one, but in verse three he celebrates slavery by saying, no refuge can save the harrowing enslaved from the sorrow of night or the death of the grave. Every institution from religion to entertainment, from Amos and Andy to Jane and tarzan, infused in the psyche of the Negro, that he was inferior. 15;26;06 But something happened to the depression generation and the World War II generation of African-Americans. Jackie Robinson picked up his bat and hit a ball and the Brooklyn dodgers win the pennant. Joe Louis dismantles the pride of Aryan supremacy by knocking out max melling in 124 seconds. Jesse Lewis runs at ambulatory speed and wins four gold medals. Rosa parks sits on a bus in 1955 and a young seminary student from Boston university stands up and takes the complex ideas of _____ and dips it chocolate so big mama can understand it. 15;27;02 And then from Louisville. [Cheering] -- Emerged the civil-tongued poet who took the ethos of somebodiness to unheard of heights. Before James brown said, I'm black and I'm proud. Muhammad Ali said I'm black and I'm pretty. [Laughter] 15:27:38 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;27;44 >> Black and pretty was an oxymoron. Blacks did not say pretty. The first black millionaire in this country was not Oprah but madam C.J. Walker who made products in order to help black people escape their Africanity. But Muhammad Ali said I'm proud. I'm pretty. I'm glad of who I am. And when he said that, that infused in Africans a sense of somebodiness. 15;28;25 To extrapolate Muhammad Ali from the times in which he lives is called historic presentism. It is to talk about George Washington and not talk about the American revolution to talk about Abraham Lincoln and not talk about the civil war. It's to talk about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and not talk about the depression and World War II. Our brother, Muhammad Ali, was a product of a difficult time. And he dared to love black people. 15;29;05 At a time when black people had a problem loving themselves. [Applause] He dared. He dared to affirm the beauty of blackness. He dared to affirm the power and the capacity of African-Americans. He dared to love America's most unloved race. And he loved us all, and we loved him because he -- we knew he loved us. He loved us all. Whether you lived in the suburbs or whether you lived in the slums. Whether you lived on the avenue or whether you lived in an alley. Whether you came from the penthouse or whether you lived in the projects. Whether you came from Morehouse or whether you had no house, whether you were high yellow or boot black, Muhammad Ali loved you. Our city is known for two things. It's known for Muhammad Ali, it is known for the Kentucky derby. 15;30;19 We hope you will come back and visit our city. The first Saturday in may, we hope you will place a bet on one of the horses, but if you do, please know the rules. What will happen is the horses start in the starting gate and then the signal will be given think will run in the mud for two minutes. And the winner will then be led to the winner's circle where a right of roses will be placed around the horse's neck. We want you to make a bet but please know the rules. You cannot bet for the horse once it's in the winner's circle. You have to bet for the horse while it's still in the mud. [Applause] 15;31;09 And there are lot of people, a lot of people who will bet and have bet on Muhammad Ali when he was in the winner's circle. But the masses bet on him while he was still in the mud. [Applause] Kareem abdul-jabbar stood with him when he was in the mud, Jim brown stood with him when he was in the mud. Bill Russell stood with him when he was in the mud. Howard cosell stood with him when he was in the mud. 15:31:24 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;31;51 Please don't mishear me. I am not saying that Muhammad Ali is the property of black people. He is the property of all people. [Applause] But while he is the property of all people, let us never forget that he is the product of black people in their struggle to be free. [Applause] I went looking for Jesus on a poor west-end street, looking that I would find him as he walked around with men and women with stumbling feet. People who had their heads bowed low because they were broke and had nowhere to go. But then I went looking for Jesus, way in the sky. Thinking he would wear a robe that would dazzle my eye. When suddenly, Jesus came walking by with stumbling feet because he had been hanging with the poor on a west-end street. [Applause] 15:33:06 (shot of Ali's wife and family) 15;33;10 The Muhammad Ali of my childhood had a shuffle but as he grew older he walked with shuffling feet. And I will submit to you he walked with shuffling feet not because of Parkinson's disease but he walked with shuffling feet because he hanged out with the folk in west Louisville who had shuffling feet. Peace and god bless you. [Applause] 15;33;47 (shot of Ali's wife applauding and family standing up) 15;34;00 >> Yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes. Don't give a teenager a telephone and don't give a preacher a microphone. [ laughter ] 15:34:15 (shot of Ali's wife) >> We'd like to bring Senator Orrin Hatch to the stage, now in this seventh term as Utah's senator, one of Utah's senators, he is the most senior Republican in the senate, author of some of the most far-reaching legislation in recent decades. Senator hatch is a seasoned and distinguished public servant. We're deeply honored by his presence today. [Applause] 15;35;00 >>Senator Orrin Hatch: Reverend, that was really good. It's hard for this poor old senator to have to follow that is all I can say. Well, the head of the first fight was Sonny Liston, and Muhammad Ali stood before a crowded pack of reporters and told the world unapologetically who he was. I'm the greatest. That's what he said. But this simple proclamation all took the history and -- Ali took the history and wrote his own title in the textbooks. He was not Muhammad Ali, the prize fighter. Or even the world champion. He was Muhammad all the greatest. His daughters dismissed this as bragging but Ali wasn't talking trash. He was speaking truth. And he was in the world of boxing, he truly was the greatest. [Applause] 15;36;13 (tight shot of ali's wife) 15;36;18 >> With the cut-throat quickness of a street fighter, and the simple grace of a ballerina, Ali moved with the killings like agility and punched with herculean strength. But to assume that Ali's greatness stems solely from his athletic prowess is to see half the man. Ali was great not only as an extraordinary fighter. He was a committed civil rights leader, an international diplomat, a forceful advocate of religious freedom, and effective emissary of Islam. He was something. He was caring as a father, a husband, a brother, and a friend. Indeed, it is as a personal friend that it witness Ali's greatness for myself.I first met Muhammad Ali 28 years ago. Almost to the day, to this day. 15:37:09 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) 15;37;21 I was in my senate office and an assistant said you have a visitor, and I was really surprised that it was none other than the champion himself. The friendship we developed was puzzling to many people, especially to those who saw only our differences. I might say that where others saw a difference, Ali and I saw kinship. We were both dedicated to our families. And deeply devoted to our faiths. He took Islam, and I to the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. We were both products of humble backgrounds and hard scrabble youth. Ali grew up poor here in Louisville and I grew up poor in Pittsburgh. True, we were different in some ways but our differences fortified our friendship. 15;38;26 They did not define it. I saw greatness in Ali's ability to look beyond the horizon and our differences. To find common ground. This shared sensibility was the foundation of a rich and meaningful relationship that I will forever treasure. One of my fondest memories of our friendship when Ali joined news the Salt Lake -- going to listen to the Salt Lake Mormon tabernacle choir. I have to say, it was the same Mormon tabernacle choir -- Ali loved music, and he enjoyed the choir's performance, but he seemed most excited to share his own religious beliefs with those who came to hear the Christian hymns. Ali attracted big crowds that day, and as he always did, and he gave everyone autographed pamphlets explaining his Muslim beliefs. 15;39;31 Hundreds of mormons lined up to grab the pamphlets, and of course I took one for myself. I respected his deeply held convictions just as he respected mine. In our relationship it was anchored by our different faiths. Ali was open to goodness. In all of its diverse realities and varieties. On another occasion, I took Ali to primary children's hospital in Salt Lake City. We visited with downtrodden children who perhaps had never smiled a day in their lifetime. Until Ali showed up. Ali held those kids and looked into their eyes. They would grin from ear to ear. These are kids that never smiled. They were so pained. The nurses were astounded. Never before had they seen someone who had connected so immediately and profoundly with these sick children. 15;40;35 Ali had a special way with kids as we all know. He may have been a tough and tenacious man in the ring, but he was a compassionate and tender around those that he loved. 15:40:48 (shot of Ali's wife) Through all of his ferocity as a fighter, Ali was also a peacemaker, a particular radio host in Utah berated me constantly on the air waves. Week after week. One day the host asked if I were arrange for Ali to meet Utah's former middleweight champion, James Fulmer, for a joint interview. Ali agreed. Knowing that the appearance could help me build some good will, but he also was very interested in meeting James(?) as well. It was an unforgettable experience. Here were two champions, face-to-face, reminiscing about some of the best fights the world has ever seen, and I have to say, in the process, Ali claimed that radio host -- well, he charmed the radio host so much on my behalf, gently transforming an unrepentant antagonist into a respectful starring partner. 15;41;52 So dedicated was Ali to our friendship, that he joined me on the campaign trail during several election cycles. He came to Utah year after year to raise funds for a charity benefiting needy women, women in jeopardy, and families in our state. Ali didn't look at life through the binary lens of Republican and Democrat. So common today. He saw worthy causes and shared humanity. And always willingness to put principles ahead of partisanship, he showed us all the path to greatness. And I'll never forget that greatness. Nor will I ever forget him. [Applause] 15;42;47 There there were many faces to Ali's greatness. His abilities as a boxer, his charisma as a public figure, his benevolence as a father and as a friend. All of these made Ali great. But there was something else that made him the greatest. Ali was the greatest because, as a debilitated and unbroken champion for later years he put is to a greatness beyond ourselves, greatness beyond even Ali. He pointed us to the greatness of god. [Applause] 15;43;35 God raised up Ali to be the greatest fighter in the world of all-time. Yet he allowed Ali to wrestle with Parkinson's disease, an inescapable reminder we're all mortal, and that we are all dependent on god's grace. Ali believed this himself. He once told me, god gave me this condition to remind me always that I am human, and that only he is the greatest. [Applause] 15;44;12 Ali was an unsurpassed symbol of our universal dependence on the divine. He was the greatest because he reminded us all who truly is the greatest. God, our creator. I'm eternally grateful for my special bond with this special man, and for my friendship with his beloved wife, who I love dearly. She is one of the great women in this world. [Applause] 15;44;44 (shot of wife) She was dedicated to the very end and I pray that Ali rested peacefully and Ali will rest peacefully the presence of the greatest of all, even our gods. I can bear testimony that I believe in god. I believe that we're here on Earth for a reason. I believe that this Earth life is a time for us to do what is right for god and for our fellow men and women. I don't know that I've ever met anybody who did it any better than my friend, Muhammad Ali. [Applause] >> God bless you. God bless the family. 15;45;37 (shot of wife applauding) 15;45;45 >> Next we would like to welcome Monsignor Father Henry Kriegel to the stage. Father Kriegel has been instrumental -- has been the pastor of St. Patricks parish in Erie, PA. He was ordained in 1970 and named a domestic prebate with the title Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1991. His wisdom, scholraship and spiritual guidance is a source of solace and guidance for catholics and members of other faith communities far far beyond his Pennsylvania home. Father Kriegel. 15;46;35 >> Monsignor Father Henry Kriegel: Let us pray. Loving eternal god, as we gather today in prayer, we do so with an abiding sense of gratitude. Our gratitude knows no bounds as we thakn you for the gift of this good and gentle man. Muhammed Ali opened our eyes to the evil of racism, to the absurdity of war. He showed us with incredible patience that a debilitating illness need never diminish joy and love in our lives. He chided our consciences, he awakened in us a deeper sense of the need to respect one another, to set aside racial differences. The legendary fighter of all time in reality taught us to heal, rather than to fight. To embrace, rather than to turn away. To include, rather than to exclude. While proclaiming himself to be the greatest, he showed us that his greatness lied in his love and concern for others. Most particularly the marginalized, the suffering, the helpless, the hopeless. You gift of him has enriched us, has made us better people, has created a more gentle world. We dare not return him to you today without expressing our gratitude for the gift of him. Amen. 15;47;50 (shot of Ali's wife) 15;48;22 >> Next we will hear a few brief remarks from Dr. Timothy Gianotti. Dr. Gianotti is a professor of islamic studies at the university of waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He is equally at home, busying himself with the affairs of the Muslim community as he is sitting in the library and burrowing through books. A true public intellectual. He is the initial and principal islamic adviser to the Ali family. He has been instrumental in assuring that the last days of Muhammad's life, his burial, his bathing, his shrouding, and his burial today, his funeral and burial today, all were in accordance with the strictures of Muslim law. So now I'd like to bring to you the person I affectionately call, brother, doctor, Imam, Timothy Gianotti. [Applause] 15;49;58 >> Dr. Timothy Gianotti: In the name of god who is the loving nurturer of the creation, and the ever compassionate and ever merciful, I'd like to share a prayer today. This is a prayer adapted from a there divisional prayer of the prophet Muhammad. My god's peace and blessings be upon him. But before I do so I would just like to say to the family, to Lonnie, to everyone here, that serving Muhammad Ali has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. 15;50;50 (shot of Ali's wife) Oh, god, you who are the light of the heavens and the Earth, grant our brother Muhammad a light in his heart. A light in his earthly body, now restored to the Earth. A light in his grave. A light before him as he journeys on to you. A light in all that he has left behind in this world. A light to his right, and the lights to his left. Oh, god, increase him inlight. Grant him light. A light in his deeds in this world and a light in the hereafter. A light in the hearts of those whom he loved. And a light in the eyes of those who loved him. 15;52;05 A light in those whom he knocked down. And a light in those whom he lifted up. A light in his words which echo in our hearts. A light in the lives of all those whom he touched. A light in his children and a light in their mothers. 15:52:40 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) A light in his grandchildren. And a light in his devoted wife, Lonnie. Oh, lord, increase your servants in light. And give him light. And embrace him in light. And fill us all with light .[ Foreign foreign ] 15;53;10 >> You who are the light odd Earth, you who are the most merciful of all those who show mercy. [Applause] 15;53;38 >> Next we'll hear a few words from rabbi Michael Lerner. Rabbi Lerner is the editor of a magazine, as the magazine's name suggests, rabbi Lerner has dedicated his life to working, to heal and repair the world. Rabbi Lerner is never afraid of ruffling a few feathers so we asked him to be nice today. Rabbi Lerner. [Applause] 15;54;23 >>Rabbi Michael Lerner: We'll see about the feathers. [Foreign chanting] >> Master of compassion, god of compassion, send your blessings to Muhammad Ali and send your blessings to all who mourn for him, and send your blessings for all the millions and millions of people who mourn for him all over this planet. I come here speaking as representative of American Jews, and to say that American Jews played an important role of solidarity with the African-American struggles in this country, and that we today stand in solidarity with islamic communities in this country and all around the world. [Applause] 15;55;23 We will not tolerate politicians or anyone else putting down a Muslim and blaming muslims for a few people. [Cheers and applause] 15;55;40 (shot of Ali's wife and family standing up and clapping) (shot of Bill Clinton clapping) 15;55;50 We know what it's like to be demeaned. We know what it's like to have some -- a few people who act against the highest visions of our tradition, to then be identified as the value of the entire tradition. And one of the reasons that we in (?) magazine, a magazine of liberal and Progressive jews but also an interfaith magazine, have called upon the United States to stand up to the part of the Israeli government that is suppressing Palestinians, is that we as Jews understand that our commitment is to recognize that god has created everyone in god's image, and that everyone is equally precious. 15;56;33 And that means that Palestinian people as well as all other people on the planet. [Applause] I know the people of Louisville have a special relationship to Muhammad Ali, and I had a personal relationship in the '60s when both of us were indicted by the federal government and before our various stands against the war in Vietnam. I want to say that although he was cheered on as the heavyweight champion of the world, you know the truth is that in all the honor to him, that heavyweight champions of the world come and go, and sports heroes come and go. There was something about Muhammad Ali that was different. 15;57;24 At the key moment when he had that recognition, he used it -- to stand up to an immoral war and say, no, I won't go! [ Applause ] And it's for that reason that tens and millions of Americans who don't particularly care about boxing care about Muhammad Ali because he was a person who was willing to risk a great honor that he got and a great fame that he got to stand up for the beliefs that he had, to think truth to power when the rest of the people around him said, no, no, you're going to lose your championship and it was taken away from him for five years. But he stood up and was willing to take that kind of a risk because of that kind of moral integrity. [ Applause ] 15;58;22 So I want so say, how do we honor Muhammad Ali? The way to honor Muhammad Ali is to be Muhammad Ali today. That means us, everyone here and everyone listening, it's up to us to continue that ability to speak truth to power. We must speak out, refuse to follow the path of conformity to the rules of the game in life. We must refuse to follow the path of conformity. Tell the 1% who own 80% of the wealth of this country that it's time to share that wealth. Tell the politicians who use violence worldwide and then preach nonviolence to the oppressed, that it's time to end their drone warfare and every other form of warfare, to close our bases around the world, bring the troops home, tell those who committed mass incarceration that it's time to create a guaranteed income for everyone in our society. [ Applause ] 15;59;34 Tell judges to let out of prison the many African-Americans swept up by racist police and imprisoned by racist judges. [ Applause ] Many are in prison today for offenses like possessing marijuana that white people get away with all the time! [ Applause ] Tell our elected officials to imprison those who authorize torture and those who ran the big investment companies that caused the economic collapse of 2008. Tell the leaders of Turkey to stop killing the kurds. Tell Israeli prime minister Netanyahu that the way to get security is for Israel is to stop the occupation of the west bank and help create a Palestinian state. [ Applause ] 16;00;37 Tell the next president of the United States that -- tell the next president of the united States that she --- (shot of bill clinton smiling) Tell the next president of the united States that she should seek a constitutional amendment to make all national and state elects funds by congress and the state legislator and all other money be banned, all other money from companies companies and individuals and make it all public funding. 16;01;30 >> Tell her that the way to achieve homeland security is not for us to try new ways of domination, the strategy of domination in the world of the other to get security has been tried for the last ten thousand years and doesn't work. The way to get security is for the United States to become known as the most generous and caring country in the world, not the most powerful. [Applause] 16;02;00 We can start with a global and domestic plan to once and for all ended global and domestic poverty, homelessness, hunger, inadequate education, inadequate health care. So, I want to, as chair of the interfaith network of spiritual Progressives -- by the way, spiritual progressives.org come and join us -- I want to affirm our commitment to the well-being of all muslims on the planet as well as the people of all faiths and secular humanists as well. We wish to pay honor to muslims of the world as the continue today the fast of Ramadan, and join with them in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali, a great -- peace be upon him, peace be upon the prophet now ham -- Muhammad and peace on humanity and peace on all of us, amen. [Cheers and applause] 16;03;20 [Chanting] Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali. Ali. >> Time, time, time is not on our side. After that speech, I have to edit my initial remarks, honorable first man William J. Clinton. Chief Sidney hill in 2002, Sidney Hill was selected as Tadodaho, or principal spiritual leader of its people a true friend of the earth and beloved to all who know him, he is a leader whose spirituality is coupled with a passionate pursuit of justice. We are honored that he has come here today to share a few words and a few thoughts with us. Chief Hill. [ Applause ] 16;04;44 >>Chief Sidney hill: [ Speaking only in foreign language ] 16;06;16 >>This is chairman Stevens with us, United Nation from our alliance (?) Nation. Translation: he said, my relatives, it is my responsibility to pick up the words for (?) the people of the longhouse. They wish you well. They want you to be at peace of mind. Now this great darkness that has happened to us, you must understand that you who have gathered us here, that his road is straight. Peacefully, he will arrive at his land. [foreign language] Our creator. It is the same as you call him, Allah. 16;07;30 These were the words. He took the family, your relatives and friends of Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali was the leader among men. And a champion of the people. He fought for the people of color, yet he was man of peace and principle. A man of compassion, who used his great gifts for the common good. The spirit has a clear path to the creator. 16;08;27 To the spiritual leader, six nation iroquois confederation. And myself, faithkeeper, turtle clan, under the council of chiefs, have journeyed here today to add our voice to this congregation of world leaders, in honor of his work, and for the right and dignity of people of color and the common man. [Applause] 16;09;15 He was always in support of the indigenous people of this hemisphere in our quest for our inherent land rights, self-determination, identity, and collective right that include the natural world. We know what he was up against. Because we have had 524 years of survival training ourselves. [Applause] 16;09;50 (shot of Ali's wife clapping) In 1978, a congressman from the state of Washington put a bill into congress to terminate our treaties with the United States. An Indian nations walked from California to Washington, DC, in protest. Muhammad Ali marched into Washington, DC with us. [Applause] 16;10;31 (shot of one of Ali's daughters) 16;10;38 He was a free, independent spirit. He stood his ground with great courage and conviction. And he paid a price. And this country did, too. And we all did. Values and principles will determine one's destiny. And the principles of a nation will do the same. Poor people do not have many options. You fighters know what I'm talking about. He said that ring was Ali's path to his destiny. He said he would be heavyweight champion of the world, and he was. Three times. This is the fourth time, right here, right now. [Applause] 16;11;55 On his journey in life, he lived and learned the hard way. He brought a light into this world. My world. Our world. And that light will shine a long, long time. [ Applause ] Peace, brother. Peace. And on behalf of my friend Ernie and the indigenous people everywhere, peace. Thank you. [Applause] 16;12;58 >> We introduce chief hill, and his words were translated by Chief Oren Lyons who was born into a traditional indigenous family, and grew up on the native reservations of upstate New York. In 1970 he became the chief and faithkeeper of the turtle clan of the onondaga nation. His scholarship, stewardship and leadership is a source of benefit and great blessing for all who know him. Now he want to introduce Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport, Rabbi Rapport is senior rabbi here of the temple here in Louisville where he has been a leader in interfaith work. He has the passion for teaching youth, and in fact it is his work with youth that let him to cross paths with Muhammad Ali. His religious leadership focuses on compassion, care, and working together was all to build a better world. Rabbi Rapport. [Applause] 16;14;24 >>Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport: This is a reading from our memorial prayer on yom kippur. Our day of atonement. Our most sacred day of the year. It was written men decades ago by rabbi Fein, civil rights leader who could never have known when he composed these words he was writing a eulogy for Muhammad Ali. 16;14;49 Birth is a beginning. And death a destination. And life is a journey, from childhood to maturity, and youth to age. From innocence to awareness, and ignorance to knowing. From foolishness to discretion. And then perhaps to wisdom. From weakness to strength, and strength to weakness. And often back again. From health to sickness, and back we pray to health again. From offense to forgiveness. From loneliness to love. From joy to gratitude. And pain to compassion, from grief to understanding. From fear to faith. From defeat to defeat to defeat, until looking backward or ahead we see that victory lies not at some high place along the way, but in having made the journey, stage by stage, a sacred pilgrimage. 16;15;50 Birth is a beginning. And death, a destination. And life is a journey. The sacred pilgrimage to life everlasting. We say words of prayer and they remain words, until we encounter a person who embodies these words and makes them real. I've said these words many times before. At funerals and memorial services. But never have I felt them come to life and speak of a single shining soul as I do today. Muhammad Ali was the heart of this city. The living, breathing, embodiment of the greatest that we can be. 16;16;33 (shot of Ali's wife) He was our heart, and that heart beats here still. [Applause] 16;16;47 Let me tell you a story you already know. It's one of those stories about Ali being gracious to a stranger that so many of us have told, so many times, and in so many we we sometimes forget the lessons these stories were intended to teach us. It's a story Honna tells about her father towards the end of their book, the soul of the butterfly. Honna's driving her father to a book store on one Sunday to pick up some bibles and korans for a project that he's working on. They pass an elderly man standing by the road with a bible in one hand and his thumb in the air with the other. They offer him a ride. And he thanks them, saying that he is on his way home from church. He only needs to go a few miles down the street where he can pick up a cab. Hanna asked where he lives help doesn't want to trouble them. He has no idea who is sitting in the front seat of the car. 16;17;48 Until Muhammad Ali turns around and says, it's no trouble at all. We're just on our way to a bookstore to by some bibles and korans. Once the man gets over meeting the greatest of all-time, he insists that he has three bibles in his house, and he would be pleased to give them to Ali in appreciation for the ride. Ali thanks him but says, he wants to pay for the bibles. The man says, no, the bibles were meant as a gift. Ali asked him what he does for a living. And it turns out the man had a stroke and has been forced into retirement. Ali then tries to hand him a big pile of money for the bibles. But the man refuses and this is where things get interesting. 16;18;37 Ali says, take the money, man, I'm trying to get into heaven.(laughter) 16;18;44 (shot of Ali's wife) And the man replied. So am I. Ali is not taking no for an answer. He says, if you don't take the money I might not get in. And the man replies, if I do take your money I might not get in. They arrive at his home, and the map invites him tomeet his wife of 30 years. He gives Ali the bibles. Ali slips the money under a napkin on the kitchen table. They're about to leave and Hannah gives the man her phone number and tells him to call him -- to call her if her needs a ride home from church again. Sitting in the car, Ali turns to his daughter and asks. Would you really go out of your way and pick him up and drive him home? And she says, yes. And with tears in his eyes, he says, that's me in you. [Applause] 16;19;52 (shot of Ali's wife holding back tears) 16;20;04 He says, you're on the road to heaven. Therein lies ally's greatness his ability to see something greater and his ability to inspire others to see such greatness' within themselves. There will never be another greatest like Muhammad Ali. But we together can now embody a measure of his kindness, and his compassion. We can say each of us in our hearts there's a little bit of Ali in me. [Applause] This week, we have mourned the loss and celebrated the life of a Louisville legend and a citizen of the world. And of all the words and all the ways, the most powerful moments have always been made in the voices of young people, repeated in prayer services, and chanted in the streets. I am Ali. I am Ali. I am not the fighter that Ali was. And I may not have the courage which he never lacked. And I am definitely not as pretty. (laughter) But in my heart, and in my hope, and in my prayers I am Muhammad Ali. [Applause] 16;21;36 >> When he say that in our hearts, when we live that in our lives, then we together can build a legacy worthy of the greatest of all-time. So say that now with me. In your heart, and in this room, I am Ali. I am Ali. [Applause] >> You know, one of the amazing things that we've witnessed during our time here in Louisville has been just so many stories of common, ordinary people. There's folks on the street, working in the hotels, the restaurants, virtually everyone has a story concerning how Muhammad Ali touched their lives. He came to my fourth grade class. He helped me out in this or that way. He came to visit me when I was sick. Just on and on and on. And collectively, those experiences, they become sinner ginnic, they become greater than the individual parts. And when we rose through the streets of the city today, I've witnessed something I've never, ever witnessed in my life. [ Applause ] 16;23;10 And I don't think I will ever witness again. I witnessed the power. In our muslim tradition we call it (foreign language) it might be loosely translated as sainthood, I witnessed the power of sainthood. [ applause] Venerable Utsumi is a member of the (foreign language) a Japanese Buddhist order dedicated to working for world peace through the practice of walking peace pilgrimages anti-nuclear weapon pilgrimages and the construction of peace pagodas all over the globe, he will be joined onstage by Sister Denise another member of the order and together they will share a traditional chant with us. 16;24;40 [Buddhist chants] 16:28:25 [Buddhist chants] 16;29;20 Now we will listen to a reading by , Ambassador Shabazz. Ambassador Shabazz is the oldest of six daughters born to el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (?) and Doctor Betty Shabazz. [applause] She probably shares that she is inspired by her parents, their parents, and those before them through the descending generations. The former prime minister of Belize recognized her as a key Ambassador in international cultural affairs and project development and in 2002 appointed her as ambassador at large, powerful and elegant we invite Ambassador Shabazz to read and share and inspire us. [ Applause ] 16:30;44 >>Ambassador Shabazz: Assalamu alaikum. May peace be upon us. All of us. As this is a homegoing celebration I find myself balanced between that of celebration and depletion, loss, that somehow or another, my breathing capacity has been weakened this past week so I ask all of you gathered and afar to please muster up and transmit a bit of your air to me in the memory of Muhammad Ali, thank you all. [ Speaking in foreign language ] WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SEVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL P2 16;31;44 And more as the globe centers at this very moment amidst the holy month of Ramadan where every two hours there's a time zone praying, and including Muhammad Ali and his family in your thoughts. Amidst that are the prayers of all faiths, all those touched, even those that don't claim a religion are feeling something right now in honor of the family and the memory of their father, husband. In the spirit of my parents, Malcolm X Shabazz and Dr. Shabazz, in the presence of my five younger sisters, our children and our grandchildren I would like to first honor his beloved wife, my sister, Lonnie Ali. [ Applause ] 16;32;53 (shot of Ali's wife) 16;32;59 For all the strengths that you know and that resonate beyond. Sometimes you do need a little help no matter how magnificent you are and indeed those that were with him, that loved him, his family members sustain that. His nine children, and I will name them, Maryam, rasheda, Muhammad Jr., Hana, Laila, asaad, Miya, khaliah as well as thier mothers, and the third generation of grandchildren who accompany them. [ Applause ] 16;33;47 (shot of Ali's wife) To his only brother, to his extraordinary example of a best friend, Howard Bingham and to his sister-in-law Marilyn. For all the grief that I am depleted by and others are feeling by his transition, there is none comparable to yours and I know that. On this day and those to come, as you live your waking days with a life without him here presently, very different. 16;34;37 (shot of Ali's wife) Photos, memories, all the things that we have on him that keep him going. He touched you differently and that has to be honored and recognized, never forsaken. [ Applause ] Just know that when you are the descendent of and in the presence of someone whose life was filled with principle, that the seed is in you so that you have to cultivate that responsibly as well. [ Applause ] This moment is very meaningful for me to have been amongst those chosen and blessed by Muhammad himself and affirmed by his wife Lonnie to take part by sharing a prose and a statement during this homegoing ceremony. While he and I had a treasured relationship, the genesis of his love was through the love for my father. Muhammad Ali was the last of a fraternity of amazing men bequeathed to me directly by my dad. 16;35;57 Somewhere between me turning 18, 19 or 20, they all seemed to find me somehow guided by an oath of a promise to my dad long after him leaving this Earth to search for me, and they did. Each one remaining in my life until joining the rest of the heavens beloved summit of fearless humanitarians. This included Muhammad Ali whom my dad loved as a little brother, 16 years his junior and his entrusted friend. There was a double-take when I came upon him, a once childhood per child and now looking right into his face, and you know how he is. He gives you that little dare like, is that you? [ imitates ] From the very moment we found one another, it was as if no time has passed as all despite all of the presumptions of division, despite all of the efforts at separation, despite all of the organized distancing. We dove right into all of the unrequited yet stated and duly acknowledged spaces we could explore and uncover privately. 16;37;18 We cried out loud. His belt, his grief for having not spoken to my dad before he left and then just as loudly we'd laugh about the best of stories, and some that can't be repeated. He was really funny. What was significant as brothers for my father and Ali was their ability to discuss openly anything, all facets of life, namely, the true meaning, as men with great responsibilities be bestowed to them of how to make an equitable difference in the lives of others. A unifying topic was faith and ecumenical faith, respect for faith, all faiths, even if belonging to one specific religion or none, the root of such being the gift of faith itself so in his own words he wrote, "We all have the same God. We just serve him differently. Rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, oceans, all have different names but they all contain water. So do religions have different names and yet they all contain truth. Truth expressed in different ways and forms and times. It doesn't matter whether you're a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew. When you believe in god, you should believe all people are part of one family. [ Applause ] 16;39;11 For if you love god, you can't love only some of his children. [ Applause ] His words and certainly ideals shared by both men, love is a mighty thing, devotion is a mighty thing and truth always reigns. Having Muhammad Ali in my life somehow sustained my dad's breath for me a little while longer. 51 years longer until now. (WEEPING) [Applause] I am forever grateful at our union on this Earth together allowed for me a continuum of shared understanding, preserved confidentialities and the comfort of living in his home town of Louisville Kentucky for the past six years. [ Applause ] 16;40;26 That was not a plan. And mostly for the gift of knowing and loving his wife and children forever forward as my own family, know that. As the last of the paternity reaches the heavens, my heart is rendered ever longingly for that tribe. The tribe of purpose, the tribe of significance, tribe of confidence, tribe of character, tribe of duty, tribe of faith, tribe of service. We must make sure that the principle of men and women, like Muhammad Ali and others, whom dedicated their very being to assure that you get to recognize your own glory, is sustained and passed on like that olympic torch. My dad would offer in state when concluding or parting from another, may we meet again in the light of understanding and I say to you with the light of that compass by any means necessary. 16;42;09 >> Ladies and gentlemen, representing the president of the United States and Mrs. Obama, miss Valerie Jarrett. [ Applause ] 16;42;24 >>Valerie Jarrett: Good afternoon. On behalf of president Obama and Mrs. Obama, I wish to express to you their deepest regret that they couldn't be with us here today as we celebrate the extraordinary life of Muhammad Ali. I first met Muhammad Ali over 45 years ago through his friendship with my uncle Jean and he, my uncle, would be so touched that his son gene is a pallbearer here today. Thank you, Lonnie. Because of my family connection, the president and first lady asked me if I would read this tribute to you, penned by president Obama. 16;43;15 It was 1980, an epic career was in its twilight. Everybody knew it. Probably including the champ himself. Ali went into one of his final fights an underdog. All of the smart money was on the new champ, Larry Holmes. And in the end, the oddsmakers were right. A few hours later, at 4 A.M., after the loss, after the fans had gone home and the sports writers were writing their final take, a sports writer asked a restroom attendant if he had bet on the fight. The man, black and getting on in years, said he had put his money on Ali. 16;44;05 The writer asked why. Why, the man said? Why? Because he's Muhammad Ali. That's why. He said, mister, I'm 72 years old and I owe the man for giving me my dignity. [ Applause ] To Lonnie and the Ali family, president Clinton and an arena full of distinguished guests, you are amazing. The man we celebrate today is not just a boxer or a poet or an agitator or a man of peace, not just a Muslim or a black man or a Louisville kid. He wasn't even just the greatest of all time. He was Muhammad Ali.The whole far greater than the sum of its parts. He was bigger, brighter and more original and influential than just about anyone of his era. [ Applause ] 16;45;30 You couldn't have made him up and, yes, he was pretty, too. He had fans in every city, every village, every ghetto on the planet. He was fettered by foreign heads of state, the beatles, British invasion took a detour to come to him. It seemed sometimes that the champ was simply too big for America. But I actually think that the world flocked to him in wonder precisely because, as he once put it, Muhammad Ali was America! Brash, defiant, pioneering, joyful, never tired, always game to test the odds. He was our most basic freedoms, religion, speech, spirit. 16;46;31 He embodied our ability to invent ourselves. His life spoke to our original sin of slavery and discrimination and the journey he traveled helped to shock our consciousness and lead us on a roundabout path towards salvation. And like America, he was always very much a work in progress. We do him a disservice to gauze up his story to sand down his rough edges to talk only of floating like butterflies and stinging like bees. Ali was a radical even in a radical of times. A loud and proud and unabashedly black voice in a Jim crow world. [ Applause ] 16;47;24 His jabs knocked some sense into us, yes, they did. Pushing us to expand our imagination and bring others into our understanding. Now, there were times when he swung a bit wildly. That's right. Wound up and accidently may have wronged the wrong opponent as he was the first to admit. But through all his triumphs and failures, Ali seemed to have achieved the sort of enlightenment and inner peace that we are all striving towards. In the '60s when other young men his age were leaving the country to avoid war or jail, he was asked why he didn't join them. He got angry. He said he'd never leave. His people, in his words, are here, the millions struggling for freedom and justice and equality and I could do a lot of help in jail or not right here in America. [ Applause ] 16;48;34 He'd have everything stripped from him, his titles, his standing, his money, his passion. Very nearly his freedom. But Ali still chose America. I imagine he knew that only here in this country could he win it all back. So he chose to help perfect a union where a descendent of slaves can become the king of the world. And in the process, in the process, lend some dignity to all of us. Maids, porters, students and elderly bathroom attendant and help inspire a young, mixed kid with a funny name to have the audacity to believe he could be anything, even the president of the United States! [ Applause ] 16;49;35 (shot of Ali's wife) Muhammad Ali was America. Muhammad Ali will always be America. What a man. What a spirit. What a joyous mightyful champion. God bless the greatness of Ali. God bless his family. And god bless this nation we love. Thank you very much. 16;50;28 ANNOUNCER VOICE: Ladies and gentlemen, Lonnie Ali. [ Applause ] >> Ali! Ali! Ali! 16;51;05 LONNIE ALI >> Assalamu alaikum. Peace be upon you. You know, I said something to Matt Lauer yesterday that I firmly believe Muhammad had something to do with all of this and I think we are right. Thank you all for being here to share in this final farewell to Muhammad. On behalf of the Ali family, let me first recognize our principal celebrant Imam _____ and Dr. Timothy Gianotti. We thank you for your dedication to helping us fulfill Muhammad's desire that the ceremonies of this past week reflect the traditions of his islamic faith. And as a family, we thank the millions of people who, through the miracle of social media, inspired by their love of Muhammad have reached out to us with their prayers. The messages have come to us in every language from every corner of the globe. From wherever you are watching, know that we have been humbled by your heartfelt expressions of love. It is only fitting that we gather in a city to which Muhammad always returned after his great triumphs. A city that has grown as Muhammad has grown. [ Applause ] 16;52;37 Muhammad never stopped loving Louisville. And we know that Louisville loves Muhammad. [Applause] We cannot forget a Louisville police officer, Joe Espy(?) Martin, who embraced a young 12-year-old boy in distress when his bicycle was stolen. Joe Martin handed young Cassius Clay -- sorry for tripping up that last word -- Clay, to a future in boxing he could scarcely have imagined. America must never forget that when a cop and an inner city kid talk to each other, then miracles can happen. [ Applause ] 16;53;49 Some years ago during his long struggle with Parkinson's in a meeting that included his closest advisors, Muhammad indicated when the end came for him, he wanted us to use his life and his death as a teaching moment for young people for his country and for the world. In effect, he wanted us to remind people who are suffering that he had seen the face of injustice, that he grew up in a segregation and that during his early life, he was not free to be who he wanted to be. But he never became embittered enough to quit or engage in violence. It was a time when a young black boy his age could be hung from a tree in Mississippi in 1955 whose admitted killers went free. 16;54;50 It was time when Muhammad's friends, people he admired, like Brother Malcolm and Dr. King were gunned down, and Nelson Mandela imprisoned for what they believed in. [ Applause ] For his part, Muhammad faced federal prosecution. He was stripped of his title and his license to box and he was sentenced to prison. But he would not be intimidated so as to abandon his principles and his values. 4:55-Lonnie emotional, almost cries 16;55;29 Muhammad wants young people of every background to see his life as proof that adversity can make you stronger. It cannot rob you of the power to dream and to reach your dreams. We built the Muhammad Ali center and that's the center of the Ali message. [ Applause ] Muhammad wants us to see the face of his religion, true Islam, as the face of love. It was his religion that caused him to turn away from war and violence, for his religion he was prepared to sacrifice all that he had and all that he was to protect his soul and follow the teachings of prophet Muhammad peace be upon you. 16;56;25 So even in death, Muhammad has something to say. He's saying that his faith required that he take the more difficult road. It is far more difficult to sacrifice oneself in the name of peace than to take up arms in pursuit of violence. [ Applause ] You know, all of his life, Muhammad was fascinated by travel. He was child-like in his encounter with new surroundings and new people. He took his world championship fights to the ends of the Earth, from the south pacific to Europe to the Congo. And, of course, with Muhammad, he believed it was his duty to let everyone see him in person because, after all, he was the greatest of all time. [ Applause ] The boy from grand avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, grew in wisdom and discovered something new, that the world really wasn't black and white at all. It was filled with many shades of rich colors, languages and religions. As he moved with ease around the world, the rich and powerful were drawn to him but he was drawn to the poor and the forgotten. [ Applause ] 16;57;53 Muhammad fell in love with the masses and they fell in love with him. In the diversity of men and their faiths, Muhammad saw the presence of god. He was captivated by the work of the dalai lama, by mother Teresa and church workers who gave their lives to protect the poor. When his mother died, he arranged for multiple faiths to be represented at her funeral and he wanted the same for himself. We are especially grateful for the presence of the diverse faith leaders here today. And I would like to ask them to stand once more and be recognized. [ Applause ] 16;58;35 Thank you. Thank you very much. You know, as I reflect on the life of my husband, it's easy to see his most obvious talents. His majesty in the ring as he danced under those lights, enshrined him as a champion for the ages. Less obvious was his extraordinary sense of timing. His knack for being in the right place at the right time seemed to be ordained by a higher power. Even those surrounded by Jim Crow, he was born into a family with two parents that nurtured and encouraged him. He was placed on the path of his dreams by a white cop and he had teachers who understood his dreams and wanted him to succeed. The olympic gold medal came and the world started to take notice. A group of successful businessmen in Louisville called the Louisville Sponsoring Group saw his potential, and helped him build a runway to launch his career. His timing was impeccable as he burst into the national stage just as television was hungry for a star to change the faith of sports. 17;00;02 You know, if Muhammad didn't like the rules, he rewrote them. His religion, his name, his beliefs were his to fashion, no matter what the cost. The timing of his actions coincided with a broader shift in cultural attitudes across America, particularly on college campuses. When he challenged the U.S. Government on the draft, his chance of success was slim to none. That the timing of his decision converged with a rising tide of discontent on the war. Public opinion shifted in his direction followed by a unanimous supreme court ruling in a stunning reversal of fortunes. He was free to return to the ring. When he traveled to central Africa to reclaim his title from George Foreman, none of the sports writers thought he could win. In fact, most of them feared for his life. But in what the Africans call the miracle at 4:00 A.M., he became a champion once more. [ Applause ] And as the years passed and those slowed by Parkinson's, Muhammad was compelled by his faith to use his name and his notoriety to support the victims of poverty and strife. He served as a UN messenger of peace and traveled to places like war-torn Afghanistan, he campaigned as an advocate for reducing the debt of third world debt. 17;01;42 He stunned the world when he secured the release of 15 hostages from Iraq. [ applause ] As his voice grew softer, his message took on greater meeting. He came full circle with the people of his country. When he lit a torch that seemed to create new light in the 1996 Olympics. [ Applause ] Muhammad always knew instinctively the road he needed to travel. His friends know what I mean when I say he lived in the moment. He neither dwelled in the past nor harbored anxiety about the future. Muhammad loved to laugh and he loved to play practical jokes on just about everybody. He was sure-footed in his self-awareness, secure in his faith and he did not fear death. Yet, his timing is once again poignant. His passing and his meaning for our time should not be overlooked. As we face uncertainty in a world and divisions at home, as to who we are as a people, Muhammad's life provides useful guidance. 17;02;58 Muhammad was not one to give up on the power of understanding, the boundless possibilities of love and the strength of our diversity. He counted among his friends people of all political persuasions, saw truth in all faith and the nobility of all races as witnessed here today. Muhammad may have challenged his government but he never ran from it or from America. [ Applause ] He loved this country and he understood the hard choices that are born of freedom. I think he saw a nation's soul measured by the soul of its people. For his part, he saw the good soul in everyone and if you were one of the lucky ones to have met him, you know what I meant. He awoke every morning thinking about his own salvation and he would often say, I just want to get to heaven and I've got to do a lot of good deeds to get there. And I think Muhammad's hope is that his life provides some guidance on how we might achieve for all people what we aspire for ourselves and our families. Thank you. [ Applause ] 17;04;38 ANNOUNCER>> Ladies and gentlemen, Maryam Ali. 17;04;50 MARYAM ALI >> Peace be with you, everyone here, and on behalf of the Ali family, I just want to say thank you to Louisville, Kentucky, all the love you've shown us in our lives has been unbelievable. Also, I want to thank the entire globe. My father was loved all over. The processional today was overwhelming but it was so beautiful. I just want to say we love you just like you love us. Thank you very much. [ Applause ] 17;05;23 As you know, my father loved poetry. He was always rhyming and promoting his fights and he had poems of the heart, spiritual poems and poems to promote and I just wrote a piece for him, in honor of him on behalf of my sisters and brothers and everyone who loved my father. It's called "Thank you our dear father." My heart was sore when your sick spirit soared. Your physical body is no more but my mind tells different tales of all that you taught me, your family and the masses. 17;06;02 Most importantly, the belief in god who created humanity to thrive in quality. You fought for a purpose to uphold the principle that we as a people have divine human rights. Staring right into the eyes of oppression, you proclaim your beautiful complexion. Your god-given skills, your independent will and the freedom of your faith. As your daughter, I am grateful for all of our conversations about men, women and relationships. Guiding me to first have a loving relationship with self, refusing anyone to chip away at my esteem and expect the respect of a queen. [ Applause ] Thank you, our dear father, for asking us to think about our purpose and showing us the beauty of service to others. We marvel that your sincere love for people as you treated all who approached you with dignity. Whether they were rich or poor, your kindness was unconditional. Never perceiving anyone as beneath you. 17;07;25 So many have shared personal stories about what you have meant to them as you have exemplified values and qualities that have enhanced their lives. If I had every dollar for every story, I could pay for the sky. Your family is so proud of the legacy you left behind. But I hope that the history of you can help turn the tide of self-hate and violence, because we are overwhelmed with moments of silence for tragic deaths. Here on the soil, American soil, in the Middle East or anywhere else in this world, we crave for peace. That peace that you rest in now. We will forever cherish the 74 years you graced this Earth. You will be greatly missed. But now we send you off in celebration, a blown kiss and prayers. As you enter your final round. God's last boxing bell will sound in heaven. I love you, we all love you. Thank you very much. 17;09;02 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Rasheda Ali Walsh. 17;09;20 RASHEDA ALI >> I'm, we are so honored that you have packed this room with your love. Thank you all. Thank you so much for being here today. To celebrate our father. You are the greatest father to us. And it was God's will to take you home. Your family will try our best to make you proud, and carry on your legacy of giving and love. You have inspired us in the world to be the best version of ourselves. May you live in paradise, free from suffering. You shook up the world in life. Now you're shaking up the world in death. 17;10;23 (shot of Ali's wife holding back tears) Daddy is looking at us now, right and saying, I told you I was the greatest! No one compares to you, daddy. You once said I know where I'm going. And I know the truth. And I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be who I am. Now you are free to be with your creator. We love you so much, daddy. Until we meet again, fly, butterfly, fly. [ Applause ] 17;11;45 ALI DINICOLA Hello. My name is Ali DiNicola. I was born on Muhammad Ali's birthday, I was named after him. He used to call me the little greatest. We can all learn from Muhammad's example of kindness and understanding. When Muhammad was asked how he would like to be remembered, he said I like to, I like for them to say he took a few cups of love, he took one tablespoon of patience, one teaspoon of generosity, one pint of kindness, he took one court of laughter, one pinch of concern and then he mixed willingness with happiness, he added lots of faith and he stirred it up well. He spread it over a span of a lifetime. And he served it to each and every deserving person he met. Thank you. 17;12;56 ANNOUNCER>>> Ladies and gentlemen, Natasha boncouer. Natasha boncouer: Before I begin, I would just like to say that I'm truly humbled and honored to be here. And I would like to thank the Muhammad Ali center and the Ali family for giving me the opportunity to speak. And to echo the voice that Muhammad has given me. So let me tell you a story about a man. A man who refused to believe that reality was limitation to achieve the impossible. A man who once reached up through the pages of a textbook and touched the heart of an 8-year-old girl. Whose reflection of herself mirrored those who cannot see past the color of her skin. But instead of drawing on that pain from the distorted reality, she found strength. Just as this man did when he stood tall in the face of pelting rain and shouted -- I am the disturbance in the sea of your complacency. And I will never stop shaking your waves. 17;14;30 And his voice echoed through hers. Through mine. And she picked up the rocks that were thrown at her and she threw them back with a voice so powerful that it turned all the pain that she had faced in her life into strength. And tenacity. And now that 8-year-old girl stands before you, to tell you that Ali's cry still shakes these waves today. 17;15;11 (shot of Ali's wife) That we are to find strength in our identities. Whether we are black or white or Asian or hispanic. Lgbt, disabled or able-bodied. Muslim, jewish, hindu or Christian. His cry represents those who have not been heard, and invalidates the idea that we are to be confirmed to one normative standard. That is what it means to defeat the impossible. Because impossible is not a fact, impossible is an opinion. Impossible is nothing! [ Applause ] 17;16;15 When I look into this crowd I smile. I smile to recognize that he is not really gone. He lives in you and he lives in me. And he lives in every person that he has touched in every corner of this world. (shot of Ali's wife) Reality was never a limitation for Ali. For us, just as every punch his opponents threw, impossible is never enough to knock us down. Because we are Ali. We are greater than the rocks or the punches that we throw at each other. We have the ability to empower and inspire and to connect and to unify and that will live on forever. So let me tell you a story about a man. His name is Muhammed Ali. He is the greatest of all time. He is from Louisville, Kentucky and he lives in each and every one of us. (shot of Ali's wife) And his story is far from over. Thank you. [ Cheers and applause ] [ Applause ] (shot of Ali's wife applauding) 17;18;26 ANNOUNCER>> Ladies and gentlemen, John Ramsey. 17;18;35 John Ramsey First of all, on behalf of my fellow Louisvillians to the Ali family, we offer our condolences our heartfelt prayers and for Lonnie Ali a very special prayer. We know that Muhammad was blessed with many gifts but none more precious than Lonnie Ali and we thank you so much. (shot of Ali's wife) You know, I've got to tell you, Louisville, when I was in the procession today and saw the tens and thousands of people and all of the warmth and the love and the respect that was shown for Muhammad, I've got to tell you, my heart swelled with pride. I know he was watching from above and I know he absolutely loved it. He-- I don't think he'd be surprised. I think Muhammad would say, Louisville, Kentucky, the greatest city of all times. I'm feeling good. Man. I tell you what, how can we lose with the stuff we use? [ laughter] I'm feeling so good, I think I'm going to make a comeback and change my name back to Walnut street. That's how good I feel. [ laughter ] 17;19;46 You know, for me, I always felt connected to Muhammad even before I had met him. You know, maybe it was the fact that I was a Louisville boy. Maybe it's the fact that I loved the Louisville Cardinals, like Muhammad. You know, but as our relationship evolved, I found that a lot of people felt this personal connection with Muhammad. And that's part of the Ali magic. You know, initially, for a lot of men my age and certainly myself, it was the athlete that I was attracted to. I mean, that kind of size, that kind of speed, agility, that grace not only made him the heavyweight champion of the world three times but it made him "Sports illustrated" sportsman of the century, the A.P. Athlete of the century and certainly made him the athlete -- a once in a lifetime athlete. But I would argue that the combination of compassion, kindness, love and the ability to lift us up made him a once in a lifetime person. [ Applause ] 17;20;55 You know, Muhammad was blessed with many gifts, as I said, and he was a wise and faithful steward of those gifts. There's many stories about Muhammad but there is a couple that really to me encapsulate what he was all about. I remember back in 2000, I made a trip to the summer olympics with Muhammad and one day he decided we were going to go see a boxing match and I remember we're ringside, the American wins, 15,000 people are chanting, usa, usa! And I thought, this is my olympic moment. You know, I was filled with patriotic pride. The boxer came down from the ring, he took the obligatory picture with Muhammad, the fist to chin shot, hundreds of photographers from around the world were taking pictures, you know, thousands of people cheering for Muhammad and this victorious fighter. 17;21;47 And then Muhammad leaned down to me whispered in my ear, he said, I want to see the loser. I say, excuse me? I want to see the loser. So, I motioned over to an Olympic official and I said, you know Muhammad wants to see the loser. Can we go to the losing locker room? And we get to the losing locker room and there's not tens of thousands of people, there's not any photographers. There's just a kid in the corner on a stool, he's got a towel around his neck, he's got a bloody mouth under his eye. This has got to be the lowest point of his athletic career at the very least. He felt like he let down his country. He is defeated. And the vibe in that room was literally the lowest of low. But then when Muhammad walks in, this kid recognizes him instantly and in broken English he says Muhammad Ali and Muhammad started dancing he said show me what you've got man, show me, and Mohammad starts throwing out jabs and this kid starts ducking and smiling. Muhammad grabs him in a bear hug. He said, I saw what you did out there, man, you look good. You are moving good, you can be a champion, man. Don't give up. And I remember, it warmed my heart how he took this kid from here to here in an instant. 17;22;58 And -- [ applause ] And I remember, I got in the car and I said to Muhammad, I said, Mohammad try to be a nice guy but I've got to tell you, I was caught up in the moment. I didn't give that losing fighter a second thought. I said mohammad you're the greatest. Muhammad said, tell me something I don't already know. [ laughter ] He -- and -- but what I don't want people to forget, no doubt, to me he's the finest example of a human that I've ever seen. The finest example of a great human being that I've ever seen of the kindness that a human possesses. That was Muhammad Ali, but don't forget about this, man. Muhammad was the coolest cat in the room. I mean, he was good looking, he had charm, he had charisma, he had swagger before he knew that swagger was. I mean, I remember, I went to -- when -- was about 25 years ago, he came to town to visit his mother and he wanted to go to outback steakhouse. I has a friend there, was big Mohammad fan, so we came in and at the time here in Louisville, there was a fireman's convention and all of these guys had their engine numbers on their shirt and sure enough I had seen this thing a million times. Man, these guys line up for an autograph. I said, to Muhammad, I said Muhammad, if you'd like, I'll play the bad guy. You know I tell them to let you eat, and you can sign autographs later. 17;24;25 Muhammad would have none of it. He said, no, I'll sign between bites. He's taking bites of his food and he's signing. This one guy walks up, and you could tell he was a big fan. I mean he knew Muhammad. He was scared to death, he-- all of his adrenaline, he said Champ, he said I saw the stand you made, in the civil rights movement, I saw your stand against the Vietnam war. He said, I've got to tell you, champ, you're my hero. He said, I've got a picture of you at my firehouse. You are my hero. Muhammad instantly he wanted to change the channel. So he said to the guy, he said, you know, you're the real hero jumping in fire, saving lives, saving babies, putting your life on the line, he said, man, you are the real hero. And the fireman responds real quickly. I mean he knew all of the nicknames, he said, man, but you, you fought the bear, sonny Liston. He said, You fought the rabbit, patterson, you fought big George Foreman, you fought smokin Joe Frazier. 17;25;15 And Muhammad interrupted real quick and he goes, yeah, but Joe wasn't really smoking. [ laughter ] And I said, Muhammad that's a good line. He goes, you're right. Write that down. But it wasn't all about signing autographs and kissing babies. If there was a village that needed food in a third-world country, Muhammad was on the plane, will travel with check. If there was a conflict and he could be part of a resolution, again, Muhammad will travel. As Lonnie had mentioned, if there were hostages to be released, Muhammad was a man of action. One of my favorite quotes and I think it's right here in your program, Muhammad said service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth and I just want to say, champ, your rent is paid in full. Your rent is paid in full. [ Applause ] Your rent is paid in full! 17;26;15 (shot of Ali's wife standing up clapping) And you know, in fact, I think he's paid it forward. Because he has taught us to love rather than to hate. To look for commonalities rather than differences. So therefore I think he's really paid it forward for all of us. So, as we all know now, you know, the fight is over but I'm here to tell you, the decision is in and it is unanimous, because of Muhammad Ali, we all win. The world wins. Thank you so much, Muhammad. It is time for a man of peace to rest in peace. And thank you so very much. 17;27;30 BILLY CRYSTAL >> Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We're at the halfway point. I was clean shaven when this started. Dear Lonnie, family, friends, Mr. President, members of the clergy, all of these amazing people here in Louisville, today this outpouring of love and respect proves that 35 years after he stopped fighting, he is still the champion of the world. [ Applause ] Last week, when we heard the news, time stopped. There was no war, there were no terrorists, no global catastrophes. The world stopped, took a deep breath and sighed. Since then, my mind has been racing through my relationship with this amazing man, which is now 42 years that I've known him. Every moment I can think of is cherished. While others can tell you of his accomplishments, he wanted me to speak and tell you of some personal moments we had together. 17;28;52 I met him in 1974. I was just getting started as a stand-up comedian and struggling. But I had one good routine. It was a three-minute conversation between Howard and Muhammad where I would imitate both of them. Muhammad had just defeated George foreman and sports magazine made him the man of the year. A great man, editor for "Sport," was going to host this televised dinner honoring Muhammad. So dick called my agent looking for a comedian who did some sports material. As fate would have it, that comedian was not available and she wisely said -- it's destiny, man. And she wisely said, but listen, I've got this young kid and he does this great imitation and I don't know why, but dick said, okay, I'll try him. I couldn't believe it. My first time on television and it would be with Ali. I ran to the plaza hotel, the event was packed. He said, how should I introduce you? No one knows who you are. And I said, just say I'm one of Ali's closest and dearest friends. And my thought was, I'll get right to the microphone, go into my how word cosell and I'll be fine and I move into the jam ballroom and that's when I saw him for the first time in person. It's very hard to describe how much he meant to me. You had to live in his time. It's great to look at clips and it's amazing that we have them but to live in his time, watching his fights, his experience of the genius of his talent was absolutely extraordinary. Every one of his fights was the aura of a super bowl. He predicted the round that he would knock somebody out and then he would do it. He was funny. He was beautiful. 17;30;57 He was the most perfect athlete you ever saw and those were his own words. But he was so much more than a fighter as time went on, with Bobby Kennedy gone, martin Luther king gone, Malcolm X gone, who was there to relate to when Vietnam exploded in our face? There were millions of young men my age, eligible for the draft for a war that we didn't believe in. And all of us huddled on the conveyor belt that was rapidly feeding the was machine. But it was Ali who stood up for us by standing up for himself. And after he was stripped of the title-- after he was stripped of the title and the right to fight anywhere in the world, he gave speeches at colleges and on television that totally reached me. He seemed as comfortable talking to kings and queens as the lost and unrequited. 17;31;49 He never lost his sense of humor even as he lost everything else, he was always himself, willing to give up everything for what he believed in. And his passionate rhetoric about the life and plight of black people in our country resonated strongly in my house. I grew up in a house that was dedicated to civil rights. My father was a producer of jazz concerts in New York City and was one of the first to integrate bands in the 40s and 50s. Jazz musicians referred to my dad as the branch rickey of Jazz concerts. My uncle and my family, jewish people, produced strange fruit, billie holiday's classic song describing the lynching of African-Americans in this country. And so I felt him, and now there he was just a few feet from me. I couldn't stop looking at him and he seemed to like glow and he was like in slow motion, his amazing face smiling and laughing. 17;32;41 I was seated a few seats from him on the day I said, and in the room all of these athletes in their individual sports, great ones, Gino Marchetti, of the Baltimore Cults, Franco Harries of the Steelers, Archie Griffith who won the Heisman from Ohio state, literally legends, Neil Simon, george plimton, all in a day fawning over Ali who then looked at me [laughter] with an expression that seemed to say what is Joe gray doing here? Mr. Schapp introduced me as one of Ali's closest and dearest friends. Two people clapped. My wife and the agent. I rose, Ali is still staring at me, I passed right behind him, got to the podium, went right into Cocell, hello, everyone, Howard Cocell coming to you live from Zaire. Some people would pronounce it Zaire. They are wrong. It got big laughs and then I went into the Ali. 17;33;49 Everybody's talking about George Foreman, talking about George foreman, george Forman is ugly, he's just so slow. George was slow. I kind of-- and then I got-- and I'm still faster at 33 years of age. I'm so fast I can turn the lights be in my bed before the room gets dark. [ Applause ] (shot of Ali's wife) I'm announcing tonight that I've got new religious beliefs. From now on I want to be known as Ezzie escowitz (?) I am now an orthodox Jew Izzie Escowitz (?) and I am the greatest of all time. [ Applause ] The audience exploded. See, no one had ever done him before and here he was a white kid from Long Island imitating the greatest of all time and he was loving it. When I was done, he gave me this big bear hug and he whispered in my ear, you're my little brother. 17;34;46 Which is what he always called me until the last time that I saw him. We were always there for each other. If he needed me for something, I was there.He came for anything I asked him to do. Most memorable, he was an honorary chairman for a dinner and a very important event where I was being honored by the hebrew university in Jerusalem. He did all of this promotion for it. He came to the dinner. He sat with my family the entire evening. He took photographs with everybody. The most famous Muslim man in the world honoring his jewish friend. And -- [ applause ] 17;35;26 Because he was there, because he was there, we raised a great deal of money and I was able to use it to endow the university in Jerusalem with something that I told to him about and it was something that he loved the theory of. And it thrives to this day. It's called peace through the performing arts. It's a theater group where Israeli, Arab and Palestinian actors, writers and directors all work together in peace creating original works of art. [ Applause ] And that doesn't happen without him. I had so many -- so many funny and unusual moments with him. I sat next to him at Howard Cosell's funeral, a very somber day to be sure. Closed casket was on the stage, Muhammad and I were sitting somewhere over there next to each other. And he quietly whispered to me, little brother, do you think he's wearing his hairpiece? [ Laughter ] 17;36;30 So I said, I don't think so. Well, then how will god recognize him? [ Laughter ] So I said, champ, once he opens his mouth, God will know. So we started laughing. It was a muffled laugh at first but then we couldn't contain ourselves. There we were, at a funeral, me with Muhammad Ali laughing like two little kids who heard something dirty in church, you know, we were just laughing and laughing. And then he looked at me and he said, Howard was a good man. One time he asked me if I would like to run with him one morning. Do road work with him. I said, that would be amazing. I said, where do you run? He said, I run at this country club and I run on the golf course early in the morning, it's very private, nobody bothers me. We'll have a great time. I said, champ, I can't run there. The club has a reputation for being restricted. What does restricted mean? They don't allow Jews there. They don't have any jewish members. He was incensed. 17;37;38 I'm a black Muslim and they let me run there. Little brother, I'm never going to run there again. And he didn't. [ Applause ] My favorite memory was 1979. He had just retired and there was a retirement party at the forum in los Angeles for Muhammad and 20,000 of his closest friends in los Angeles. I performed a piece that I had created, the imitation had grown into a life story. It's called 15 rounds. And I'd play them from the age of 18 until he's 36 ready for the rematch with Leon Spinks. I posted it on the internet last week, footage that nobody had ever seen before, of me portraying Ali doing his life for him all those years ago in 1979. There were 20,000 people there. But I was doing it only for him. That's one of my favorite performances that I have ever done in my life. I sort of got lost in him. I didn't even know where I was at the end of the performance. And suddenly I'm backstage with another heavyweight champion, Richard Pryor and Pryor 's holding on to me crying and then I see Ali coming and he's got a full head of steam, he is looking only at me, nudged Mr. Pryor aside and he whispered in my ear with a big bear hug, little brother, you made my life better than it was. 17;39;10 But didn't he make all of our lives a little bit better than they were? [ Applause ] That -- that, my friends, is my history with the man that I've labored to come up with a way to describe the legend. He was a tremendous bolt of lightning created by mother nature out of thin air, a fantastic combination of power and beauty. We've seen still photographs of lightning bolts at the moment of impact, ferocious in his strength and magnificent in his elegance. And at the moment of impact it lights up everything around it. So you can see everything clearly. Muhammad Ali struck us in the middle of America's darkest night, in the heart of its most threatening gathering storm, his power toppled the mightiest of foes and its intense light shone on America and we were able to see clearly injustice, inequality, poverty, pride, self-realization, courage, laughter, love, joy, religious freedom for all. 17;40;18 Ali forced us to take a look at ourselves. This young man who thrilled us, angered us, confused and challenged us ultimately became a silent messenger of peace who taught us that life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls. [Applause] (shot of Ali's wife) 17;40;50 My friends, only once in a thousand years or so do we get to hear a mozart or see a Picasso, read a Shakespeare. Ali was one of them and yet at his heart he was still a kid from Louisville who ran with the gods and walked with the crippled and smiled at the foolishness of it all. He is gone but he will never die. He was my big brother. Thank you. [ Applause ] 17;41;47 >> Ladies and gentlemen, Bryant Gumbel. 17;41;58 BRYANT GUMBEL >> The great Maya Angelou who was herself no stranger to fame wrote that ultimately people forget what you said and people will forget what you did but that no one will ever forget how you made them feel. That's applied to Muhammad Ali, the march of time may one day diminish his boast and his poetry, maybe even his butterflies and bees. It may even one day dull the memories of the thrilla in Manila and the rumble in the jungle. But I doubt any of us will ever forget how Muhammad Ali made us feel. I'm not talking about how proud he made you feel with his exploits or how special he made you feel when you were privileged enough to be in his company.I'm talking about how he ripped our hearts and our souls and our conscience and made our fights his fights for decades. People like me, who were once young, semi-gifted and black will never forget what he freed within us. Some of us like him took pride in being black, bold and brash. And because we were so unapologetic, we were in the eyes of many, way too uppity. We were way too arrogant. Yet we reveled in being like him. By stretching society's boundaries as he did, he gave us levels of strength and courage we didn't even know we had. But Ali's impact was not limited to those of a certain race or of a certain religion or of a certain mindset. The greatness of this man for the ages was that he was, in fact, a man for all ages. Has any man ever a greater arc to his life? What does it say of a man, any man that he can go from being viewed as one of his country's most polarizing figures to arguably his most beloved. [ Applause ] And to do so without changing his nature or, for a second, compromising his principles. Yeah, you know, there were great pauses and national movements and huge divisions that afforded Ali unusual opportunities to symbolize our struggles. But Harry Truman had it right when he said men make history and not the other way around. Or as Lauren hill so nicely put it, consequence is no coincidence. Befitting his stature as the goat, Muhammad Ali never shied away from a fight. He fought not just the biggest and baddest men of his day inside the ropes but outside the ring he also went toe to toe with critics, outside of societal norms, the U.S. Government. He even fought ultimately to his detriment the limitations of father time. Strictly speaking, fighting is what he did. But he broadened that definition by sharing his struggles with us and by viewing our struggles as his. And so it was that at various times he accepted and led battles on behalf of his race in support of his generation, in defense of his religious beliefs and ultimately in spite of his disease. I happen to have been overseas working in Norway this past week. My buddy Matt called. Told me the champ had been taken to the hospital. This time it was really serious. Right away I called Lonnie who was, as always, a pillar of strength. And as we discussed the medical details, the doctors' views and the ugly realities of mortality, Lonnie said, Bryant, the world still needs him and indeed it does. The world needs a champion who always worked to bridge the economic and social divides that threaten the nation that he dearly loved. The world needs a champion that always symbolized the best of Islam to offset the hatred born of fear. And the world needs a champion who believed in fairness and inclusion for all. Hating people because of their color is wrong, Ali said, and it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong. [ Applause ] Yeah, we do need Muhammad Ali now. We needed strength and the hope, the compassion, the conviction that he always demonstrated. But this time, our beloved champion is down. And for once he will not get up. Not this time. Not ever again. Let me close with a quick personal story. 50 years ago, Muhammad Ali defeated George devalo in Toronto, Canada. The very next day, he showed up in my neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. As Ali got out of the car in the driveway at the home, I happened to be next door shooting hoops in a friend's backyard. I, of course, quickly ran to the fence and for the first time in I was 17. I was awe struck. And man, I thought he was the greatest. Now a half century and a lifetime of experiences later, I am still awe struck and I am convinced more than ever that Muhammad Ali is the greatest. [ Applause ] To be standing here by virtue of his and Lonnie's request, is an honor. To be here today as he goes to his grave is a moment I will take to mine. God bless you, champ. [ Applause ] >> Ladies and gentlemen, the 42nd president of the united States, the honorable William Jefferson Clinton. [ Applause ] WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL 558P WASH 6 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY CBS POOL P2 17;51;17 BILL CLINTON >> Thank you. I can just hear Muhammad saying now well, I thought I should be eulogized by at least one president and by making you last in a long, long, long line, I guarantee you a standing ovation. I am trying to think of what has been left unsaid. First, Lonnie, I thank you and the members of the family for telling me that he actually as Bryant said picked us all to speak and giving me a chance to come here, and I thank you for what you did to make the second now well, I thought I should be eulogized by at least one president and by making you last in a long, long, long line, I guarantee you a standing ovation. 17;51;51 I am trying to think of what has been left unsaid. First, Lonnie, I thank you and the members of the family for telling me that he actually as Bryant said picked us all to speak and giving me a chance to come here, and I thank you for what you did to make the second half of his life greater than the first. Thank you for the Muhammad Ali center and what it has come to represent to so many people. Here's what I'd like to say. I spent a lot of time now as I get older and older and older trying to figure out what makes people tick, how do they turn out the way they are, how do some people refuse to become victims and rise from every defeat. We've all seen the beautiful pictures of the home of Muhammad Ali and people visiting and driving by. I think you decided something I hope every young person here will decide. I think he decided very young to write his own life story. 17;53;39 I think he decided before he could possibly have worked it all out and before fate and time could work their will on him, he decided that he would not be ever disempowered. He decided not his race or his place or expectations of others, positive, negative or otherwise would stop him from writing his own story. He decided first to use these stunning gifts. His strength and speed in the ring, his wit and way with words, and managing the public, and finding out at a fairly young age who he was, what he believed, and how to live with the consequences of acting on what he believed. 17;54;50 A lot of people make it to steps one and two and still just can't quite manage living with the consequences of what he believed. For the longest time in spite of all the wonderful things that have been said here, I remember thinking when I was a kid this guy is so smart and he never got credit for being as smart as he was. And then I don't think he ever got the credit for being, until later, as wise as he was. In the end besides being a lot of fun to be around and basically universal soldier for our common humanity, I will always think of Muhammad as a truly free man of faith. 17;55;50 And being a man of faith he realized he would never be in full control of his life. Something like Parkinson's could come along. But being free, he realized that life still was open to choices. It is choices that Muhammad Ali made that brought us all here today in honor and love. And the only other thing I would like to say, the first part of his life was dominated by the triumph of his truly unique gifts. We should never forget them, we should never stop looking at the movies. Thank Will Smith for making his movie. We should all be thrilled. It was a thing of beauty. But the second part of his life was more important because he refused to be imprisoned by a disease that kept him hamstrung longer than Mandela was kept in prison in South Africa. 17;57;20 That is in the second half of his life, he perfected gifts that we all have, every single solitary one of us have gifts of mind and heart. It is just that he found a way to release them in ways large and small. I asked Lonnie the time when they were still living in Michigan and I gave a speech in southwest Michigan to an economic club there, and sort of a ritual when a president leaves office, and you know, you had to get reacclimated, nobody plays a song when you walk in a room any more, you don't really know what you're supposed to do, and this club, the economic club, they're used to acting like you deserve to be listened to, they have to be reacclimated. So they came to me to this dinner and he sat with me at this dinner. 17;58;26 And he knew, somehow he knew that I was a little off my feet that night. I was trying to imagine how to make this new life and so he told me a really bad joke. And he told it so well and he laughed so hard that I totally got on board and had a great time. He had that feel about, you know, there's no textbook for that, knowing where somebody else is in their head, picking up the body language. Then Lonnie and Muhammad got me to come here when we had the dedication of the Muhammad Ali center, and I was trying to be incredibly gray haired elder states man, dignified, I have to elevate this guy, I am saying all this stuff in high tone, language, and Muhammad sneaks up behind me, puts his fingers up. (shot of wife laughing) 17;58;35 Finally after all the years we had been friends, my endearing image of him is like three shots. The boxer, the man I watched take the last steps to light the olympic flame when I was president, and I'll never forget it, I was sitting there in Atlanta, we knew each other, by then I felt I had some sense of what he was living with, and I was still weeping like a baby, seeing his hands shake, his legs shake, and knowing by god he was going to make those last few steps no matter what it took, the flame would be lit, the fight would be won. I knew it would happen. [ Applause ] 5532 ALI MEMORIAL SERVICE FIBER PATH POOL P2 18;00;49 And then this. The children whose lives he touched, the young people he inspired. That's the most important thing of all. So ask you to remember that. We all have an Ali story. It's the gift we all have that should be most honored today because he released them to the world. Never wasting a day the rest of us could see feeling sorry he had Parkinson's, knowing more than three decades of his life would be circumscribed in ways that would be chilling to the naked eye. 18;01;43 But with the free spirit it made his life bigger, not smaller. Because other people, all of us unlettered, unschooled said would you look at that. Look at that. May not be able to run across the ring any more, may not be able to dodge everybody, exhaust everybody any more, and he's bigger than ever because he is a free man of faith sharing the gifts we all have. We should honor him by letting our gifts go among the world as he did. God bless you, my friend, go in peace.