The Definition of Greatness
A MAN’S GREATNESS IS TRULY DEFINED WHEN IT COMES FROM A PLACE OF LOVE, GIVING IN TO SELF-SACRIFICE AND FORGIVENESS – Lyle PurpleHeart
Muhammad Ali’s greatness was not just defined by his boxing prowess. That was pure talent which he honed and perfected to dominate the sport for many years.
His fights were epic and forged memorable episodes in our minds. It was through dedication and a love for his art that he received worldwide fame and admiration. He displayed a Ring General’s touch with his stellar performances of defying the odds on many occasions.
He bore the burden of being a black boxer in a time when racism existed in all forms; when opportunities were few unless you were extremely talented; and when the world stood silent to the hypocrisy of many nations against the oppression of black people. He was fearless in his many convictions and in a figurative way, he could beat an ordinary boxer while sitting down.
HE BECAME GREAT WHEN HE STOOD!
His eventual rise to greatness was not because of his many accolades and championship belts, including Olympic gold. He stood for the principles that fought against a system that trampled the rights of blacks. He spoke against a society and the many countries that fell silent to the black man’s plight in America and around the world. He stood when he gave up the glamour of stardom to accept the humility of being stripped of all his glory.
HE STOOD TALL!
Nonetheless, he sacrificed his career; his freedom; and his safety to become a voice that echoed across the world and sounded loudly in the ears of many. It gave semblance to a pride that can only be worn by the many who felt oppression in its darkest form and hope to those whose voices were taken.
In 1996 when he lit the torch at the summer Olympics, it was (in a way) a symbolism of his forgiveness of a country that showed him no love when he stood up for his people. This, in itself, did not only define him but was the redefining moment of his greatness.
I SALUTE YOU MUHAMMAD ALI!
IN LIFE YOU WON MY HEART AND IN DEATH, YOU LIVE THERE.
Indeed, I am Lyle PurpleHeart
Oakley Lyle is an author and poet – Visit his Facebook Page HERE
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