Seen here is boxing legend Muhammad Ali (leaning over), formerly known as Cassius Clay, talking to President Jimmy Carter (right).
On this day in 1964, Cassius Clay chose to join the nation of Islam and change his name. He said that this choice was due to the fact that his last name was a “slave name.” His new name, Muhammad Ali, would be the one everyone would go on to remember, just like he wanted.
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