Students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have joined an army of 1,000 ambassadors working at today’s funeral of Muhammad Ali.
Tens of thousands of people are set to line the streets of Louisville, Kentucky, for a service celebrating the life of the legendary heavyweight boxer nicknamed “the Louisville Lip” who died last Friday.
The Louisville Mayor’s office recruited 1,000 ambassadors to its “I Am Ali” campaign to help as mourners and well-wishers arrived in the city for the funeral.
Britain’s Lennox Lewis – the last undisputed heavyweight champion of the world – and actor Will Smith are among the pallbearers, while former President Bill Clinton will read a eulogy.
Twelve DMU students, six from Interior Design and six from Arts and Festival Management were in Louisville on a #DMUglobal trip to work at #ReSurfaced, a community campaign to transform derelict spaces into vibrant, community spaces. The event is run by not-for-profit City Collaborative, supported by the Mayor Greg Fischer.
But as news of Ali’s death broke on Friday, the focus turned to celebrating his life and the incredible contribution he made not only to his hometown of Louisville, but to the world.
Much of the work was based around celebrating Muhammad Ali’s six core principles – confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality.
On Wednesday, an I Am Ali festival was held to celebrate the boxer’s journey and fierce determination as an example to all no matter the circumstances.
Students spent the day at the Kentucky Centre for the Performing Arts where there was a celebration of Ali's life where there were various activities run by various charities and foundations in Kentucky for children.
Interior Design senior lecturer Rosemarie Fitton, who was part of the #DMUglobal visit, researches how people grieve and create sacred spaces.
She said: “We spent all day on Wednesday at the I Am Ali event working with kids creating 3D models that represented the six principles of how he lived his life. There are lots of flowers and messages outside the Ali Centre.
“People are not crying, but are talking about how wonderful he was and the good he did in his life. Kids and young adults are being urged to think about what they want to achieve and how they can get there.”
Josh Hargreaves, project and outreach co-ordinator for DMU Square Mile, said: "All of the students, Rosemarie, Tony Graves, plus DMU Square Mile’s students and myself and David have become Ali Ambassadors.
"An Ali ambassador is there to guide people on the day of his funeral and during these events around the city and just there as a contact point or someone to talk to about Muhammad Ali.
"It's been a very humbling experience to be part of this celebration of Ali's life. The city is not in mourning but is instead celebrating his achievements, records, humanitarianism and the city's hero."
Jodie Giblin, Arts and Festival Management, said: "It’s totally surreal, the atmosphere is just electric. Everybody is so full of joy and been so friendly towards us. People have welcomed us to Louisville and said what a special time that we have come to their city and how honoured they are that we have travelled so far.
"I think the funeral, especially, is being seen as far more of a celebration of Ali's life and all he stood for.”
Sophie Adkins, also studying Arts and Festival Management, said: "Working for Muhammed Ali's funeral has been such an honour and a surreal experience. I am amazed at how Louisville has come together to celebrate his life and let us be a part of his celebration of life events. The atmosphere has been emotional, yet people are focusing on happy memories and celebrating his success. Today is just incredible."
The I Am Ali volunteer effort was organised by Louisville’s Compassionate City campaign, also run by the Mayor’s office.
“The world is coming to Louisville this week to celebrate the life of our most famous citizen,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “We want to make sure that people know the complete story of Ali’s life here, where he learned the values that helped him become ‘The Greatest of All Time.’”
The procession is due to begin at about 9am local time (13:00 GMT) and take the coffin past his childhood home, the Ali Center, the Center for African American Heritage and then down Muhammad Ali Boulevard.
The procession will end at the Cave Hill Cemetery where Ali will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. The funeral service at the KFC Yum! Centre will begin at 2pm local time (about 7pm in the UK).
Posted on Friday 10 June 2016