Beyond the Boxer: Ali and the Humanitarian Within
1986
Created by the Ellis Island Honors Society, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognizes, according to the organization, "Individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate, their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity. They do so while acknowledging their debt to their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America."
Muhammad Ali was awarded an Ellis Island Medal of Honor on October 27, 1986. He was chosen as a recipient for the awards' inaugural year along with 80 other United States citizens including John Denver, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Joe DiMaggio, and Rosa Parks, among others. Also selected to receive a medal that year was Kentuckian Joe Bowen, who Muhammad greeted at the awards like a brother.
