the greatest is still yet to come.

As a fan and follower of Ali, I admire the compassion that he exhibits towards others, and the leadership inspiration he provides to so many. This morning I read the latest Press Release from the Muhammad Ali Center, and wanted to share it with y’all. In this special message, Ali speaks of commonalities between all humans, and “the energy and determination of today’s youth.” This energy he speaks of has the power to transform the world in “significant and positive ways.” His humility is so impressive to me, and I find hope in his assurance that the greatest is still to come. Simply put on his center’s website, be great and do great things, because we all have the ability to change the world in which we live, to make it “a more compassionate place.” Enjoy…Rachel

A Special Message From Muhammad Ali

When I look back over my life, I sometimes think of the people I’ve met. Not just the famous ones but the ones I’ve met on the street and in passing. Most were fans but some weren’t. And I think about how I’ve treated people. Did I treat them right? Did I try and help those who needed help? For the most part, I can honestly answer yes but then I think about all the people in the world and the challenges people face not just here in the United States but people everywhere. I really wish I was able to help people everywhere so they wouldn’t have to suffer, especially the women and children who are the most affected. I know I am just one person, but one person can make a difference in the lives of many and they in turn can have the same effect on others.

Almost all of the world’s problems are common to us all, whether it’s the fight for freedom, justice or equality; shelter, clean drinking water, nutritious food, keeping our children safe, good health care or maintaining a clean and sustainable environment. Regardless of where we live in the world, these needs are basic to all of us. In the end, the world becomes a better place for all and we become better people every time we embrace compassion and caring for one another.

When I was growing up, a young kid in Louisville, Kentucky, things were different but the one thing that remains the same is that our tomorrow depends on how we nurture and guide our children today. I’ve traveled all over the world and children everywhere want the same thing:  the hope for a bright and secure future that allows them the opportunity to fulfill their dreams–whatever those might be. I am constantly awed by the energy and determination of today’s youth to transform the world in significant and positive ways. Given the chance, young people are eager to lead the charge to make their neighborhoods, cities and countries into a more compassionate place.

I have been often told that I have the ability to inspire people–young and old. While I find this hard to believe most of the time, I know that I have been blessed in many wonderful ways and because of my many blessings, I have to give back to the world.  Seven years ago, Lonnie and I opened the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville as part of my legacy to give back to youth today as well as future generations. For those of you who know Lonnie and me, you already understand how important the Center is to us. The Ali Center was built upon six core principles that guided me through life and still guide me today. They include: confidence, conviction, dedication, respect, giving and spirituality.

If you have visited the Center, followed our activities through our website–or through all this new stuff people call social media—you know that my mission and the mission of the Center is not about my being a “celebrity” as a boxer, although I do enjoy watching my fights–and I’m sure you do, too. Our goal for the Muhammad Ali Center is to help people realize their own potential and ability to become great people and responsible global citizens. I have been fortunate in my life to become a global citizen, not just because I have traveled all over the world and met people from many countries, but because I developed and continue to have a conscious connectedness to people here and all over the globe.

I am proud of the impact the Ali Center has had in the short time it has been open.  I invite you to visit our website and learn more about our character education program;  U-Give, our online program that helps high school students find volunteer and service opportunities; our new initiative Generation Ali, which encourages global citizenship and the Generation Ali Scholarship Program. I’ve always encouraged children to stay in school and make something of themselves. Education is the key to success and reading is the key to a good education. We now have an opportunity to close the 3rd grade reading gap by recruiting volunteers to tutor elementary school students to help reach a 3^rd grade reading level.

People call me The Greatest  but I know that the young people today have the ability to be the greatest, too. Therefore, there is no doubt in my mind that The Greatest is Still Yet to Come.

–Muhammad Ali

See more at http://alicenter.org/press-release/95.