Muhammad Ali on faith, race relations, violence, and more in 1967.
On June 28, 1967, Keen interviews Ali again before his appearance at the mosque. They discuss the draft and how it relates to religious beliefs. Without crowds, he is very subdued.
Muhammad Ali speaks at Muhammad's Mosque
Muhammad Ali returned to San Diego to speak before a crowd of more than 500 people at Muhammed’s Mosque Number 8 at 2575 Imperial Avenue. There was the strictest security by local Muslims for Ali’s appearance, and no white people were allowed. Channel 8 television’s newsreel cameraman was the only person allowed to take motion pictures film of the boxing champion’s appearance. These films were taken by Sherman S. Skeete inside the mosque.
Ali was escorted to the mosque platform by uniformed Muslims to be met and introduced to the audience by Minister Henry 14-X. Ali was described as a most eloquent speaker whose remarks were greeted with great enthusiasm. Ali told the audience to have pride in itself and stand tall. Ali said the large crowd indicated this sort of gathering should have been happening 36 years ago.
Muhammad Ali flies into San Diego from Los Angeles
On July 18, 1967, Cassius Clay, now known as Muhammad Ali, flew into San Diego from Los Angeles to obtain documents confirming his role in calming down a crowd in southeast San Diego after Gilman and Keen were pummeled as they tried to interview him. He said he needed the documents to prove his peaceful intentions at a federal court hearing where he sought permission to leave the country for personal appearances in Japan. He needed permission because he was free on bond while appealing his 5-year conviction for refusing to serve in the armed forces. At the airport, Keen asked Ali about the racial violence in the country.
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