Larry Earl
Exhibit Curator: From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali–Contentious Objector
Community Cinema attendees in Pasadena, CA were in for a special treat during last month’s screening of The Trials of Muhammad Ali at KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum: a uniquely created exhibit by artist Larry Earl, titled, From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali–Contentious Objector. The exhibit featured contemporary art, original photographs, and memorabilia from the period (1963 to 1972).
Creating the exhibition From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali—A “Contentious” Objector for Community Cinema to compliment the Pasadena and Mesa screenings of the documentary film, the Trials of Muhammad Ali was a fun and interesting project. Muhammad Ali is a luminary global figure. He is considered the most recognizable athlete in the world. It can be argued that Ali has achieved this iconic global status for what he has done outside of the realm of boxing. Therefore, I sought to assemble original materials that presented Ali’s greatness as a boxer and emphasized his persona as a Muslim, husband, father and outspoken anti-Vietnam War protester.
From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali A “Contentious” Objector examines Ali’s life just after he defeated Sonny Liston to become heavy weight champion of the world in 1964. The exhibition explores his conversion to the Nation of Islam, subsequent name changes and marriage to Belinda Boyd. It also examines his anti-Vietnam War stance, his ban from boxing, his legal fight to be recognized as a conscientious objector and his comeback fight against Joe Frazier to reclaim his title as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 1971. The exhibition uses original wirephotos, vintage magazines (Life and Ebony), declassified FBI documents, art and text to recount this history.
As a collector I thought my quest to find original materials that represented this history would be a bit challenging. However, in this digital age of Ebay, you can find almost anything online. The wirephotos that I acquired to feature in the exhibition are extremely interesting because the captions that accompany each image provide priceless context from the period. For example, many reporters and opponents refused to call “the champ” Muhammad Ali after he joined the Nation of Islam.
A boxing glove from the exhibit “From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali A “Contentious” Objector”
Many of the captions often read “Cassius Clay a.k.a. Muhammad Ali” or “Cassius Clay who calls himself Muhammad Ali.” I am still collecting new items to add to the exhibition so you discover something new each time you encounter it. I have my eye on a pair of vintage (1976) Muhammad Ali boxing gloves for kids made by Herbert Muhammad Enterprises (Elijah Muhammad’s son and Ali’s manager). Wish me luck in securing the winning bid.
Muhammad Ali’s braggadocious style and his “contentious” posture as a black man, was unsettling for many Americans during the 1960s and 1970s. He spoke truth to power boldly. From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali—A “Contentious” Objector invites you to ask the question, “Does Muhammad Ali represent the best of American values? I would say he does. However, I believe it’s really up to you to answer that question. When contemplating the matter I would only encourage you to remember Ali’s own words. “It ain’t bragging if you can back it up.”
Thanks a bunch Community Cinema!
