CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF MUHAMMAD ALI

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of boxing legend, civil rights activist, and beloved humanitarian, Muhammad Ali.

“Throughout his illustrious career, ‘The Greatest’ taught us many lessons about the passion and dedication needed to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles while challenging the norms of exclusion and discrimination. Muhammad Ali was a true champion, not only as a Gold medal winning Olympic boxer and world heavy-weight champion, but also in the struggles for civil and human rights. His steadfast resolve and devout spirituality upheld the burdened and oppressed, even as he faced his greatest challenger – Parkinson’s Disease – outside of the arena.

“Muhammad Ali’s fight was our fight, and I personally feel very grateful for the advances he made in the worldwide struggle for human rights throughout his entire career. The most renown athlete globally, I will always treasure the fond personal and shared memories of our champion, and as the world mourns the loss of this American icon, I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends in this time of sorrow. May all those who have drawn inspiration from Muhammad Ali remember those lessons in faith, perseverance, passion, dignity, and grace, allowing us all, in our own way, to ‘float like a butterfly and sting like a bee’.”