Historical marker dedicated at childhood home of Muhammad Ali

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Muhammad Ali is already world known for his fighting career as well as his fight against the draft during the Vietnam War. On Tuesday, Ali's boyhood home entered the history books as the Kentucky Historical Society and Fourth District Councilman David Tandy officially dedicated a historical marker at its location.

The address of 3302 Grand Avenue will no longer be just another address in the Parkland neighborhood. With the placement of the historical marker, it now will be listed among the most noted places in the Commonwealth.

According to his brother, Rahman Ali, the man called by many as "The Greatest" wasn't feeling well enough to attend the dedication but was honored at the fact the home where he and Rahman, formerly known as Rudy Clay, grew up was now considered a historical place.

The event kicked off Tuesday with the Central High School marching band parading down Grand Avenue playing the 'Eye of The Tiger' song from the movie "Rocky." Other students from Meyzeek and Noe Middle Schools were also on hand, as well as students from Lincoln Performing Arts School to make special presentations in honor of Ali.

Kent Whitworth, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society, said this is a momentous occasion to honor a great man.

"Today we more formally connect this place to the person of Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest.' And it's all of our intent that Muhammad Ali and this place will inspire Kentuckians for years and years to come," said Whitworth.

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