Since the Mali empire to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and all the way to current days, Black Muslims have made many positive impacts on the world. In honor of Black History Month, here are a few individuals who have made great contributions from sports to activism.
Muhammad Ali
“... I’ll tell you how I’d like to be remembered: as a black man who won the heavyweight title and who was humorous and who treated everyone right.” - #MuhammadAli#BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #Love pic.twitter.com/rhS51TnwM5
— Muhammad Ali (@MuhammadAli) February 9, 2023
Ali was a three times World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and an Olympic Gold Medalist. In 1965, he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, he spent his time in philanthropy, soon earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I asked Allah for wealth. He gave me Islam.”
Ibtihaj Muhammad
“I’ve always looked at my journey as bigger than me, because I know what I represent.” See how Olympian @IbtihajMuhammad legacy serves as a symbol of hope for Black women and Muslims all across the globe in episode 5 of FM Broadcast: Path to Progress. pic.twitter.com/wLR6qQzXu5
— Nike (@Nike) February 23, 2022
Muhammad represented Team USA in 2016 as the first American woman to wear hijab in the Olympics. She won a bronze medal in fencing and inspired the first Barbie doll to wear a hijab as part of Matel’s “Shero” line that honors accomplished women who inspire young girls.
She earned an academic scholarship to Duke University, where she majored in international relations and African and African American studies, and studied Arabic. Muhammad released her memoir, “Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream.” In 2017, President Obama nominated her to the President’s council on Fitness, Health & Nutrition.
“Even if we’re facing bigotry or racism, we can still be successful.”
Malcolm X
I feel like honestly This BHM hasn’t been hitting …. So imma just post all my very black art this month! “By any means necessary” Malcolm X pic.twitter.com/sJs6aoUVtB
— DR. J. AKA MISS STENCILS (@jm_ballislife2) February 8, 2023
Malcolm X was a prominent leader in the Nation of Islam and the Civil Rights Movement
“America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.”
The Prophet Muhummad (peace and blessings be upon him) said on the issue of equality: “An Arab possesses no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab over an Arab. A white man is in no way superior to a black nor for that matter, is a black man better than a white.”
Halima Aden
Halima Aden was the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant and went on to also become the first model to wear a hijab and burkini in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. Later, Aden made the decision to quit the fashion industry due to its compromising aspects in her faith and life.
“Be who you are. It's easy to feel like you have to blend in, but it takes courage to live your life with conviction and embrace the person that you are.”
Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa was the ruler of the kingdom of Mali from 1312 C.E. to 1337 C.E. Mali was one of the richest kingdoms of Africa during this time and Mansa Musa was among the richest individuals in the world. His passage through Egypt collapsed its economy, so it is said. The title of richest man of all time is believed to belong to Mansa Musa, even topping individuals such as Jeff Bezos.
