The Ali Center Celebrates Twenty Years of Greatness

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos Provided 

As the Muhammad Ali Center marks its 20th anniversary this year, Louisville prepares for a celebration that embodies the very spirit of “The Greatest.” On November 8, the Ali Center will host its 12th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, presented by Humana. This is a night designed not just to honor extraordinary humanitarians, but to reflect on two decades of compassion, courage, and conviction that continue to extend far beyond the Ali Center’s walls. 

Founded in 2005 by Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, the Center has long stood as a force for good, one that invites the world to consider what greatness really means. This year’s awards ceremony captures that essence perfectly, uniting remarkable global changemakers and featuring moving musical performances by the Louisville Orchestra under the direction of Teddy Abrams. 

“We are proud to partner with the Muhammad Ali Center to recognize these passionate changemakers from across the world,” said Jim Rechtin, Humana Chief Executive Officer. “Humana exists to help people achieve their best health, and that purpose cannot be realized without investing in the people and organizations that create positive change in the communities where we live and work.” 

This year’s honorees exemplify the humanity and conviction Ali stood for. Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, will receive the Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement for his transformative leadership in philanthropy and social justice. Nancy Lieberman, basketball legend and trailblazer, will be named Humanitarian of the Year for her decades of impact through youth mentorship and community-building programs. 

Super Bowl champion Anquan Boldin and his wife Dionne Boldin will accept the Humanitarian Impact Award, co-presented by the Laureus Foundation, for their dedication to education, equity, and systemic reform through their Q81 Foundation and Sport for Impact initiative. And His Excellency Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, will receive the Humanitarian Award for Civility and Compassion for his groundbreaking work in interfaith dialogue and global unity. 

In true Ali fashion, the celebration will also shine a light on a new generation of young humanitarians, six inspiring individuals, all under 30, who embody Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality. From Trisha Prabhu, whose ReThink technology fights cyberbullying, to Charitie Ropati, an Alaska Native engineer and climate advocate. 

The night will conclude with a new post-show celebration, with live performances, late-night bites, and an open invitation to connect and reflect on the power of service to others. 

As Louisville gathers once again to celebrate its most famous son, the Ali Center stands as a metaphor for the idea that greatness isn’t measured by victories in the ring, but by the impact we make outside of it. For twenty years, the Center has carried forward Muhammad Ali’s mission: to inspire people everywhere to find the greatness within themselves and to use it for good. 

Tickets and information for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards and 20th anniversary celebration can be found at alicenter.org/maha