California two Senators are looking to honor legendary boxer Muhammad Ali posthumously.
Senators Laphonza Butler and Alex Padilla introduced legislation to award Ali with the Congressional Gold Medal.
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Driving the news: The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award that can be given out.
- A three-time world heavyweight champions dn 1960 Olympic gold medalist, Ali was also famous for his activism, including his protest of the Vietnam War.
- He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2005.
- Ali suffered from Parkinson’s disease later in life and passed away at the age of 74 in 2016.
What they’re saying: Butler said in a statement that the Congressional Gold Medal stands for excellency and celebrates the achievements of people who forced the nation to change for the better.
- “Through grit and determination, the legendary Muhammad Ali made a lasting impact fighting for humanitarian rights and racial justice and I can think of no better way to close out Black History Month than by honoring his legacy,” Butler said.
- Padilla added, “Muhammad Ali served as an example of strength, service, and dedication for all generations, from his boxing career as one of the most decorated athletes of all time to helping our nation overcome the legacy of Jim Crow and segregation in sports.”
