Muhammad Ali changed his name primarily because he considered his birth name, Cassius Clay, a "slave name."
Reasons for the Name Change
Ali's decision stemmed from several key factors:
- Rejection of Slavery's Legacy: He viewed the name Cassius Clay as a symbol of his ancestors' enslavement. He wanted to distance himself from this painful history.
- Embrace of Islam and the Nation of Islam: After joining the Nation of Islam, he adopted the name Muhammad Ali to reflect his new religious identity and commitment.
- Disassociation with Cassius Marcellus Clay: While Cassius Marcellus Clay (the abolitionist he was named after) may have freed his slaves, Ali believed he still adhered to white supremacist ideals.
Details
Ali publicly announced his name change in 1964, shortly after winning his first heavyweight title. The name Muhammad means "highly praised" and Ali means "most high." This change marked a significant turning point in his personal and public life, solidifying his identity as a Black Muslim and a symbol of Black pride and resistance. He saw it as an essential step towards liberation and self-determination.
