On March 6, 1964, heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay announced that he had changed his name to Muhammad Ali. The change reflected his conversion to Islam and affiliation with the Nation of Islam. Many media outlets initially refused to use his new name, reflecting tension over race, religion, and identity. Ali insisted on his new name as a sign of independence and self-definition. His stance became part of a broader story about Black pride and civil rights in the 1960s. Over time, the name Muhammad Ali became known worldwide as both a sports legend and a symbol of conviction.
