FREE – Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. | See a short preview of the Independent Lens documentary and explore the issues with a community panel. | RESERVE SEATS HERE
WKAR Community Cinema returns in May with a screening and conversation featuring The Trials of Muhammad Ali. The new documentary from Independent Lens explores the extraordinary and complex life of the legendary athlete outside the boxing ring. This screening and conversation is a free presentation in partnership with Project 60/50 at Michigan State University.
The WKAR Community Cinema event takes place Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at WKAR in the Communication Arts and Sciences building on the Michigan State campus.
The evening begins with a screening of a short portion of the film. The full 85-minute documentary can be viewed online now through May 5. | VIEW IT HERE
On the panel from Michigan State University are Waseem El-Rayes, coordinator of Muslim Studies Specialization in James Madison College; Daniel Manville, director of the Civil Rights Clinic in the College of Law; and Pero Dagbovie, director of the Department of History graduate program.
Free with Reservation
This event is free, but registration is required. | RESERVE SEATS HERE
Where
WKAR Community Cinema takes place in the Communication Arts & Sciences Media Auditorium (Room 145), 404 Wilson Road on the campus of Michigan State University. Parking is free (after 6 p.m.) in the Trowbridge Road parking ramp, near the South, Main Lobby.
About 'The Trials of Muhammad Ali'
This is the story of Ali's toughest bout: his battle to overturn the five-year prison sentence he received for refusing U.S. military service. The film explores Ali's exile years when he was banned from boxing and found himself in the crosshairs of conflicts concerning race, religion, and wartime dissent.
Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Bill Siegel, The Trials of Muhammad Ali examines how one of the most celebrated sports champions of the 20th century risked fame and fortune to follow his faith and conscience. From joining the controversial Nation of Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, from his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War in the name of protesting racial inequality to his global humanitarian work, Muhammad Ali remains an inspiring and controversial figure. Outspoken and passionate in his beliefs, Ali found himself in the crosshairs of conflicts concerning race, religion, and wartime dissent.
Focusing on some of the most noteworthy, provocative, and resonant aspects of the legendary athlete's life, The Trials of Muhammad Ali explores his lifelong journey of spiritual transformation. From his Louisville roots through his years in exile to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Ali's path was that of poet to pariah to global ambassador for peace.
On the Air
The Trials of Muhammad Ali airs Thurs., May 29, 8 p.m. on WKAR World.