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S. R. 167
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Senate Resolution 167
By: Senators Butler of the 55th, Rahman of the 5th and Islam of the 7th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing January 17, 2023, as Muhammad Ali Day; and for other purposes.
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WHEREAS, Georgia is a state that embraces its great diversity, commits itself to equity and2
inclusion for all communities, and honors individuals that dream, dedicate themselves, and3
build for future generations; and4
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali had an unrelenting spirit to dream: "Impossible is a not a fact.5
It is an opinion. It is not a declaration. It is a dare. Impossible is potential"; and6
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was brave: "What I suffered physically was worth what I have7
accomplished in life. A man who is not courageous enough to take risks will never8
accomplish anything in life." He persisted despite the physical harm and political opposition9
he endured; and10
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was humble: "I would like to be remembered as a person who11
never looked down on those who looked up to him." He admitted he was a flawed human12
being like everyone else, but he still strived to become a better person every day; and13 23 LC 112 1282
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WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali demonstrated an inspiring work ethic, committed himself to
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his passion for boxing, and never stopped working to achieve success; he won the Olympic15
gold medal and the heavyweight title three times, and he won 56 matches in his 21-year16
professional career, making him America's Champ; and17
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was an inspiration for future generations; he knew becoming18
America's Champ required discipline and said "don't count the days, make the days count."19
He did not let distractions keep him from his goal; and20
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was a true American Patriot: "All I can do is fight for truth and21
justice." He would hold leaders that represented him to a standard of ethics; and22
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was an example of a powerful American life; he represented23
the power of a single individual voice embodying the values that create champions; and24
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was committed to uniting our country and held deliberate25
conversations with others who held opposing views: "I want to be remembered as a man who26
tried to unite all humankind through faith and love"; and27
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali showed perseverance, and even though he had Parkinson's28
disease, which impaired his motor skills and speech later in his life, he continued his work29
as a global humanitarian and a goodwill ambassador; and30
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali was a dedicated philanthropist who helped people around the31
world who were battling hunger, helped at local soup kitchens and hospitals, worked with32
the Special Olympics and the Make A Wish Foundation around the world, and vocalized33
support for Parkinson's disease research; and34 23 LC 112 1282
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WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali had a commitment to service and faith: "Truly great people in
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history never wanted to be great themselves. All they wanted was the chance to do good to36
others and be close to God." He found strength in his faith; and37
WHEREAS, Muhammad Ali, known as America's champ, was a devoted American Muslim38
who brought honor to the United States by relying on the courage he found in his faith to39
stand up against injustices worldwide.40
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body41
recognize January 17, 2023, as Muhammad Ali Day.42
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed43
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the44
press.45