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Archive for the ‘African-American Heroes’ Category

Muhammad Ali born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., was an American professional boxer, generally regarded as the most significant heavyweight in the history of the sport. Early in his career, Ali was known for being an inspiring, controversial and polarizing figure both inside and outside the boxing ring. He is one of the most recognized sports figures of the past 100 years, crowned “Sportsman of the Century” by Sports Illustrated and “Sports Personality of the Century” by the BBC

Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston 25th May 1965

You lived that POP LIFE and I simply ADORE you. When I first heard your song KISS in my LITTLE RED CORVETTE it made me want to throw on my RASBERRY BERET. Now your gone and all your fans are DELIRIOUS and say TAKE ME WITH U or screaming LET’S GO CRAZY. Some even say no I WOULD DIE 4 U, but instead I chose to party like it is 1999 in the PURPLE RAIN. But the CONTROVERSY will die down and THE MORNING PAPERS will stop writing stories about youu, I know you have moved on up those MOUNTAINS cause U GOT THE LOOK and AMERICA will GET OFF this and move onto something else. But we all know this was the day WHEN DOVES CRY!

Prince

Prince was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and developed an interest in music at an early age, writing his first song at age seven. After recording songs with his cousin’s band 94 East, 19-year-old Prince recorded several unsuccessful demo tapes before releasing his debut album For You in 1978, under the guidance of manager Owen Husney. His 1979 album Prince went platinum due to the success of the singles “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?” and “I Wanna Be Your Lover”. His next three records—Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), and 1999 (1982)—continued his success, showcasing Prince’s trademark of prominently sexual lyrics and incorporation of elements of funk, dance, and rock music. In 1984, he began referring to his backup band as The Revolution and released Purple Rain, which served as the soundtrack to his film debut of the same name. A prolific songwriter, Prince in the 1980s wrote songs for and produced work by many other acts, often under pseudonyms.

Maya Angelou born Marguerite Ann Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American author and poet. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than fifty years. She received dozens of awards and over thirty honorary doctoral degrees. Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of seventeen, and brought her international recognition and acclaim.