lawyer who defended ali's name change

Did Muhammad Ali change his name legally?

Hayden Cooper Covington was legal counsel for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in the mid-20th century. He argued numerous cases before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of Jehovah’s Witnesses in defense of their religious freedoms, winning most of them. In 1967, he defended then world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in his legal battle against the draft …

What was the name of Muhammad Ali's case in court?

 · Then, in 1964, Clay announced that he would no longer be referred to by his birth name, briefly going by Cassius X before making the switch to Muhammad Ali, heralding the change in a statement recorded by Elijah Muhammad. Per Ali: " Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn't choose it and I don't want it.

Why did Muhammad Ali change his name to Cassius Clay?

 · In 1965, when Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in a rematch and then defended his heavyweight title against Floyd Patterson, it was 389 mentions for “Clay” and 10 for “Ali.”

Who was Muhammad Ali's next opponent?

 · Muhammad Ali’s stand against the Vietnam ... He repeatedly refused to step forward when his name was called—despite being warned by an officer that he was committing a felony offense that was ...

Who was Ali's lawyer?

Muhammad Ali's legal connection to the national Lawyers' Committee is even closer than many people may know. In fact, Jonathan Shapiro, a former civil rights lawyer at the Committee in the 1960's, served as one of Ali's key lawyers in the famous Clay v. United States case.

Why didnt Muhammad Ali legally change his name?

A month later, he announced to the world that he was Muhammad Ali. But why, exactly, did he change his name? After publicly joining the Nation of Islam, Ali put it in his own words: "Cassius Clay is a slave name." During a press conference after his historic night, Ali first announced that his name would be Cassius X.

How did Cassius Clay get his name?

He was named after his father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., who had a sister and four brothers and who himself was named in honor of the 19th-century Republican politician and staunch abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay, also from the state of Kentucky.

What did Muhammad Ali Think of Howard Cosell?

1:1326:51Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell - Ultimate Best Of - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a matter of time. Very lows the boom.MoreIt's a matter of time. Very lows the boom.

Who owns Muhammad Ali's name?

Company Matches Famed boxer will get $50 million in exchange for giving up majority control of the rights to his name and image. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - He may always be known as "The Greatest", but famed prizefighter Muhammad Ali will now have to share the rights to his name and likeness.

What was Muhammad Ali's original name?

Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.Muhammad Ali, original name Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., (born January 17, 1942, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.—died June 3, 2016, Scottsdale, Arizona), American professional boxer and social activist.

Why did Muhammad Ali not talk?

Muhammad Ali barely able to speak, can't leave house due to Parkinson's disease. MUHAMMAD Ali's battle with Parkinson's disease has reached the point at which he can barely speak, his brother has revealed.

Did Muhammad Ali fight Bruce Lee?

In the movie, Bruce Lee said that he'd beat Muhammad Ali in a fight, but as South China Morning Post reported, that was far from the truth. The real Lee was a big fan of boxing and “worshipped” Ali. In fact, Complex reported that Lee once said that Ali would kill him if the two ever fought.

Did Ali go to Cosell funeral?

Billy Crystal remembers sitting next to Muhammad Ali at Howard Cosell's funeral, he recalls some of the hilarious remarks Ali made that day to make a somber day a bit brighter.

What was Howard Cosell's famous saying?

Cosell was widely attributed with saying the famous phrase "the Bronx is burning". Cosell is credited with saying this during Game 2 of the 1977 World Series, which took place in Yankee Stadium on October 12, 1977.

Did Ali and Cosell get along?

Ali was a brash, young black boxing champ from Louisville, Kentucky, and Cosell was a Jewish sports reporter from Brooklyn -- but the two formed an unlikely friendship. For over 30 years, they played their roles to perfection -- Cosell as the pompous commentator, and Ali had just the needle to puncture that pomposity.

Why did Muhammad Ali change his name?

The Real Reason Muhammad Ali Changed His Name. In the history of people punching the snot out of each other at a professional level , one man remains the gold standard to which all others are held. Nearly forty years after his final match and four years after his death, the name Muhammad Ali is synonymous with pugilistic excellence. ...

When did Clay change his name?

Then, in 1964 , Clay announced that he would no longer be referred to by his birth name, briefly going by Cassius X before making the switch to Muhammad Ali, heralding the change in a statement recorded by Elijah Muhammad. Per Ali: " Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn't choose it and I don't want it.

What did Muhammad Ali believe?

The change came courtesy of Ali's conversion to the Nation of Islam religious movement, under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad. The group took its core beliefs from Islamic teachings, while adding some provisos, including a desire for African Americans to receive "full and complete freedom," "equal membership in society," "separate schools ... (with) all black children educated, taught and trained by their own teachers," and the belief that "intermarriage or race mixing should be prohibited," according to Elijah's 1965 treatise Message To The Blackman in America. Ali's hardline subscription to this belief system gave us prime, hard-reading quotes from the champ, like this one from a 1975 Playboy interview: "A black man should be killed if he's messing with a white woman."

What is the meaning of Muhammad Ali?

Nearly forty years after his final match and four years after his death, the name Muhammad Ali is synonymous with pugilistic excellence. What it wasn't always synonymous with was "Muhammad Ali.". The acclaimed boxer started life as Cassius Clay, and had already earned an Olympic gold medal and the title of heavyweight champion under that name.

Did Muhammad Ali protest the Vietnam War?

Yes, Muhammad Ali made some remarkable choices. He gave up some of the best years of his career to protest the Vietnam War and served as a United States diplomat under President Jimmy Carter, per Politico.

When did Muhammad Ali change his name?

Muhammad Ali changed his name in 1964. Newspapers called him Cassius Clay for six more years.

What newspaper has Muhammad Ali's name?

I searched the news database ProQuest for mentions of “Cassius Clay” and “Muhammad Ali” in seven different newspapers: the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Defender, Baltimore Sun, and Baltimore Afro-American. To get a handle on institutional policy, I counted up how often each paper used “Clay” and “Ali” in headlines. In 1964, those seven papers ran 617 items with “Clay” in the headline compared to 13 for “Ali.” In 1965, when Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in a rematch and then defended his heavyweight title against Floyd Patterson, it was 389 mentions for “Clay” and 10 for “Ali.” In 1966, the NYT reported that Ali “balked at accepting the plaque” for a fighter of the year award because it bore the name Cassius Clay. That year, it was 783 “Clay” vs. 13 “Ali.”

Why did Muhammad Ali balk at accepting the plaque?

In 1966, the NYT reported that Ali “balked at accepting the plaque” for a fighter of the year award because it bore the name Cassius Clay. That year, it was 783 “Clay” vs. 13 “Ali.”. Advertisement. As the table below illustrates, it wasn’t until 1970, six years after the boxer introduced himself as Muhammad Ali, ...

How many articles did Muhammad Ali appear in?

“From 1964 to 1968, Cassius Clay appeared in more than 1,000 articles, Muhammad Ali in about 150 ,” Mather wrote.

Why did Muhammad Ali fight Jerry Quarry?

26, 1970, match-up against Jerry Quarry—his first fight back after a 3½-year absence from the ring due to his conscientious objection to the Vietnam War.

When did the New York Times stop calling Alcindor?

The other newspapers were quick to make the switch as well, dropping Alcindor from headlines. Starting in 1972 , the New York Times never again called him Alcindor in a headline. If Muhammad Ali hadn’t paved the way with the nation’s sports editors, he likely would’ve had a much longer wait.

When did Lew Alcindor change his name?

Ali’s long wait for proper identification would not be replicated when Lew Alcindor changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971. On June 6 of that year, the Los Angeles Times featured a morning brief headlined “Lew Alcindor Takes Islamic Name—Call Him Kareem Abdul Jabbar.”.

What was Muhammad Ali's stand against the Vietnam War?

Muhammad Ali and Vietnam. His refusal to be drafted to fight in the war transcend ed the boxing ring, which he had dominated, at great personal cost. Muhammad Ali’s stand against the Vietnam War transcended not only the ring, which he had dominated as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, but also the realms of faith and politics.

What was the 4-4 split in Ali's case?

Harlan’s move raised the prospect of a 4-4 split, which would preserve Ali’s conviction and send him to jail without explaining why . The justices instead chose to resolve it on narrow technical grounds and unanimously vacated the conviction. Ali triumphed, but his victory came at great personal cost.

Why did Muhammad Ali claim to be a conscientious objector?

Ali claimed he qualified for conscientious-objector status because he opposed the war as a black Muslim. The Justice Department challenged that status, citing his statements that he would fight the Vietcong in a “holy war” if they fought Muslims. The justices began drafting their opinions when one of Justice John Marshall Harlan II’s clerks convinced him to take home Elijah Muhammad’s Message to the Blackman in America. Harlan returned to the Court the next day and, convinced of Ali’s sincerity after reading the text, switched sides.

What did Muhammad Ali say about Vietnam?

On March 9, 1966, at the height of the war, Ali’s draft status was revised to make him eligible to fight in Vietnam, leading him to say that as a black Muslim he was a conscientious objector, and would not enter the U.S. military. “My conscience won’t let me go shoot my brother, or some darker people, or some poor hungry people in ...

How old was Muhammad Ali when he was in jail?

Just take me to jail.”. A little more than a year later, on April 28, 1967, Ali, then 25 years old, appeared in Houston for his scheduled induction into the U.S. military. He repeatedly refused to step forward when his name was called—despite being warned by an officer that he was committing a felony offense that was punishable by five years in ...

When did Muhammad Ali return to the ring?

Eventually, state boxing commissions did grant Ali licenses to fight. And when he returned to the ring, on October 26, 1970, he knocked out Jerry Quarry in the third round. The road to legal exoneration took longer. My colleague Matt Ford explains what happened:

Who was the Justice who recused himself from the Supreme Court?

My colleague Matt Ford explains what happened: When Ali appealed his case to the U.S. Supreme Court for the final time in 1971, liberal stalwart Justice William Brennan convinced his colleagues to hear the case. Justice Thurgood Marshall recused himself because he had been solicitor general when Ali was prosecuted.

What is Ali's name on his birth certificate?

A copy of Ali’s birth certificate, which was obtained by USA TODAY Sports, shows no updated name, but it does show a spelling error: Cassuis, rather than Cassius.

Who was Muhammad Ali's first wife?

Sonji Roi, who was Ali’s first wife and married to the former heavyweight champion when he changed his name in 1964, died in 2005.

When did Ali and Porche get married?

Porche also pointed out that she and Ali were married in a Muslim ceremony in 1974 while Ali still was married to his second wife and preparing to fight George Foreman in what was billed as “The Rumble in the Jungle.". In 1977, after Ali was divorced from his second wife, Porche and Ali had a second wedding ceremony in Los Angeles.

When did the Social Security change?

The Social Security Administration tightened the policy in 2005 after Congressional action spurred by 9/11 and terrorism concerns. The change requires Social Security numbers or cards to be in the applicant’s legal name, Williamson said. Hana Ali, one of the boxer’s children, said Ali’s wife, Lonnie, told her the legendary boxer had ...

Did Hana Ali's father change his name?

After being told that records indicate her father never legally changed his name , Hana Ali said, “That was a shock. …. I’ve never heard that.". Gunnel, the Ali family spokesman, said the boxer’s tax bills, real estate records and driver’s license all were issued in the name of Muhammad Ali.

Did Ali change his name?

Veronica Porche, the third of Ali’s four wives, said she wasn’t surprised to learn there are no records showing Ali changed his name legally, which requires a court decree.

Did Social Security require a name change in the 1960s?

Roxanne Williamson, a spokesperson for the Social Security Administration, said a legal name change was not required in the 1960s. A person who wanted to use another name could simply assume the new one. Obama: What Muhammad Ali meant to me. “In 1964, the Social Security Administration (SSA) did not require an applicant to provide documented proof ...

What was Muhammad Ali's Supreme Court decision?

Muhammad Ali wins Supreme Court decision in 1971, overturning his conviction for draft evasion. Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali has a "no comment" as he is confronted by newsmen as he leaves the Federal Building in Houston for lunch during the noon recess of court, June 19, 1967. Ali's trial, on a federal indictment charging he refused ...

What did Ali say to Muhammad?

Ali said Elijah Muhammad was opposed to his fighting, but stated, "If it's in your blood, then get it out.". Interpreting that as approval from his leader, Ali wants to get it out of his blood and avenge the defeat to Frazier, then become a Muslim minister in good standing once again.

How long did Muhammad Ali fight Joe Frazier?

Muhammad Ali is a free man, free to go anywhere he wants, free to fight where and whom he pleases, and for as long as he pleases. Exactly three months and 20 days after losing a unanimous decision to Joe Frazier in his biggest fight in the ring, Muhammad Ali won a unanimous decision in an even bigger fight. The Supreme Court voted, 8-0 (Justice ...

Why was Justice Marshall disqualified?

The Supreme Court voted, 8-0 (Justice Marshall disqualified himself because he was solicitor general when the government brought its case against Ali) to overturn Ali's conviction on charges of draft evasion, a conviction that carried with it a $10,000 fine and a five year prison term that would certainly have ended ...

When did Muhammad Ali get sentenced to prison?

Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali puts a finger to his ear as he comments on Supreme Court action in Chicago in reversing the conviction on which he had been sentenced to five years imprisonment for draft evasion, June 28, 1971. (AP Photo/Edward Kitch) (Edward Kitch/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

What was Ali's objection to military duty based on?

The court said Ali's objections to military duty was based upon "religious training and belief ," the test for draft exempt status of a conscientious objector.

Where did Muhammad learn of the decision?

Muhammad said he learned of the decision from a man in the street in Chicago. "Some fellow ran out of his store on 79th St. with tears in his eyes and said, 'You're free, you're free. The Supreme Court said so.'

When did Muhammad Ali not fight?

In March 1966, Ali refused to be inducted into the armed forces. He was systematically denied a boxing license in every state and stripped of his passport. As a result, he did not fight from March 1967 to October 1970—from ages 25 to almost 29—as his case worked its way through the appeals process before his conviction was overturned in 1971.

When did Muhammad Ali get his boxing license?

On August 11, 1970, with his case still in appeal, Ali was granted a license to box by the City of Atlanta Athletic Commission. Leroy Johnson, Jesse Hill Jr. and Harry Pett had used their local political influence and set up the company House of Sports to organize the fight, underlining the influence power of Georgia's black politics in Ali' s comeback. Ali's first return bout was against Jerry Quarry on October 26, resulting in a win after three rounds after Quarry was cut.

How many times was Ali married?

Ali was married four times and had seven daughters and two sons. Ali was introduced to cocktail waitress Sonji Roi by Herbert Muhammad and asked her to marry him after their first date. They were wed approximately one month later on August 14, 1964. They quarreled over Sonji's refusal to join the Nation Of Islam. According to Ali, "She wouldn't do what she was supposed to do. She wore lipstick; she went into bars; she dressed in clothes that were revealing and didn't look right." The marriage was childless and they divorced on January 10, 1966. Just before the divorce was finalized, Ali sent Sonji a note: "You traded heaven for hell, baby." Ali's brother Rahman said that she was Ali's only true love and the Nation of Islam made Ali divorce her and Ali never got over it.

How many people watched Muhammad Ali?

His most-watched fights drew an estimated 1–2 billion viewers worldwide between 1974 and 1980, and were the world's most-watched live television broadcasts at the time. Outside of fights, he made many other television appearances. The following table lists known viewership figures of his non-fight television appearances. For television viewership figures of his fights, see Boxing career of Muhammad Ali: Television viewership .

What did Muhammad Ali do to inspire black people?

Ali's example inspired many black Americans and others. However, initially when he refused induction, he became arguably the most hated man in the country and received many death threats. People who supported Ali during this time were also threatened, including sports journalist Jerry Izenberg, whose columns defended Ali's decision not to serve. He wrote, "Bomb threats emptied our office, making the staff stand out in the snow. My car windshield was smashed with a sledgehammer." The New York Times columnist William Rhoden wrote, "Ali's actions changed my standard of what constituted an athlete's greatness. Possessing a killer jump shot or the ability to stop on a dime was no longer enough. What were you doing for the liberation of your people? What were you doing to help your country live up to the covenant of its founding principles?"

How many rounds did Ali fight Alzado?

In 1979, Ali fought an exhibition match against NFL player Lyle Alzado. The fight went 8 rounds and was declared a draw.

What did Muhammad Ali do outside the boxing ring?

Outside the ring, Ali attained success as a spoken word artist, where he received two Grammy nominations. He also featured as an actor and writer, releasing two autobiographies. Ali retired from boxing in 1981 and focused on religion, philanthropy and activism.

What is the irony of Ali's life?

It is not the only irony of Ali’s life that his submission to Elijah Muhammad’s authority somehow transformed him into a hero of freethinking and moral conscience. Yet he deserves credit for handling himself with magnanimity and élan.

Why did Muhammad Ali refuse to join the army?

He wrote down his reason: “I refuse to be inducted into the armed forces of the United States because I claim to be exempt as a minister of the religion of Islam.”. He meant the Nation of Islam, the black separatist organization headed by Elijah Muhammad, also known as the Messenger. Ali was swiftly convicted of draft evasion, a felony.

What was Ali convicted of?

Ali was swiftly convicted of draft evasion, a felony. Remaining free while his lawyers pursued appeals, he became a generational flashpoint—a reliable gauge of political views on the Vietnam War.

What did Ali's refusal to serve do to America?

By contrast, Ali’s refusal to serve helped deepen America’s racial and political divisions. He hurt himself and achieved no social good in doing so.

When did Muhammad Ali get inducted into the military?

In April 28, 1967 , Muhammad Ali —then still known to many by his birth name, Cassius Clay —reported to Local Board No. 61 in Houston for induction into the U.S. armed forces. The 25-year-old heavyweight champion spent the morning filling out forms and receiving a physical exam.

When was Malcolm X assassinated?

Malcolm X, who had been close to Ali, was assassinated in February 1965. After Ali’s former press secretary told the FBI that he had information about Malcolm’s killers, he too was found dead. Other dissidents simply disappeared. Ali got the message.

When did Ali's conviction overturn?

In 1971 the Supreme Court overturned his conviction. Since then he has become a venerated figure, thanks to his greatness in the ring, the magnetic force of his personality, the broadly accepted narrative about the folly of Vietnam, and the liberalization of American culture. His death last June prompted a weeklong commemoration, with funeral ceremonies befitting a head of state. Ali, we were told, had been right all along in his principled opposition to the war.

When did Muhammad Ali convert to Islam?

In 1975 , Ali converted to Sunni Islam. The names we choose for ourselves are powerful, and Ali's was no exception. And one thing's for sure: No one will ever forget the name "Muhammad Ali.".

What year did Muhammad Ali become a heavyweight champion?

His Olympic gold is what led to his turning professional, and in 1964, his legendary fight with Sonny Liston resulted in his becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. In 1964, shortly after the Liston fight, Ali joined the Nation of Islam, and with this decision came his change in name: Muhammad Ali.

What was Muhammad Ali's first success?

It was under this name that Ali had his earliest successes: He won his first amateur match as Cassius Clay, Jr. in 1954, the Golden Gloves tournament for novices in 1956, and the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in 1959. Then, in 1960, he traveled to the Olympics in Rome, winning the light heavyweight gold medal.

How old was Muhammad Ali when he died?

On Friday, champion heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali died at the age of 74 , leaving the sports world speechless.

Where was Muhammad Ali born?

By Jake Viswanath. Muhammad Ali was born on Jan. 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Odessa O’Grady Clay and Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr. — and he shared the name he was given with his father: Muhammad Ali’s original name was Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. Cassius Sr. had himself been named after the abolitionist of the same name.

Who was Cassius Clay?

Cassius Clay the abolitionist was also born in Kentucky in 1810, well over a century before Ali was; he published the anti-slavery journal True American, was twice elected to the Kentucky legislature, and served as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia. He was also instrumental in organizing the United States’ purchase of Alaska.