On This Day
By Ken Hare
Chicago Defender Staff Writer
On this day, April 28, 1967, New York State Athletic Commission and the World Boxing Association withdrew recognition of Muhammad Ali as world heavyweight boxing champion because of his refusal to serve in the U.S. armed forces. Some in the Black Power movement say this was in retaliation for his support of their activities.
Also, on this day, Mrs. Robert W. Claytor was elected president of the YWCA, the first Black president in the history of the organization. All this during the tumultuous times of the 60’s when Black people stood up, embracing their unique cultural identity and the entire world took notice.
Can, or will this type of unified voice ever happen again? Some activist think that it can and some don’t. Grassroots activist Carlos Banaue Sanchez says “If Black and Brown people united today, there would be no stopping us. That is the real fear of the Republican party.”
Veteran activist Lori X says “I don’t believe that could ever happen again. Technology has destroyed our sense of responsibility towards one another. Today people would rather listen to Itunes than talk to the person sitting next to them.” How could people unite under those circumstances? You can’t, she said.
“How could people unite under those circumstances?” “You can’t,” she said. What do you think? Please leave a comment below.
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