Muhammad Ali and Vietnam

“I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom, and equality.”

 — Muhammad Ali refusing to fight in Vietnam.

Ali’s commitment to nonviolence carried over into his life as a Civil Rights activist as well. Here is Benjamin Harrison writing on Ali’s relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X:

‘King was also one of his staunchest supporters during the draft case. The FBI wiretaps reveal a warm relationship between the two leaders even with all their differences. On September 4, 1969, Ali invited King to his next fight and said he supported the civil rights leader “100%,” But it is significant to note that Malcolm X was the African-American leader seen most on TV in 1963, when Ali’s draft case first became controversial. By the mid-’60s, the black power movement was becoming more popular than the traditional civil rights movement. Malcolm X had even stronger words of support for Ali than King: “Cassius is the champion because he lives clean and he thinks clean. He is one of the few Negroes we can look up to with adulation who is also accepted by the white community.” Ali was “one of very few people” Malcolm X said that he ever invited into his home. At the same time, Ali didn’t hesitate to disagree with his mentor on issues. For example, he opposed Malcolm’s suggestion that African Americans organize “rifle clubs.” Ali insisted “I’m against that. There are too many rifles. I don’t believe in violence.” He was consistent to the end on his belief in non-violence.’

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Benjamin Harrison, ‘The Muhammad Ali Draft Case and the Public Debate on the Vietnam War’ (November, 2001)