LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thursday marks 5 years since boxing legend and Louisville native, Muhammad Ali passed away.

What You Need To Know

  • Thursday marks five years since Muhammad Ali passed away

  • Muhammad Ali Center is kicking off a week full of events to honor the late boxing legend

  • The public can visit his grave at Cave Hill Cemetery Thursday from noon-3 p.m.

  • The Ciity of Ali documentary premieres Thursday night

 

It all starts Thursday morning with a private remembrance ceremony at Ali’s grave at Cave Hill Cemetery. Lonnie Ali and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer are scheduled to speak at the event.

“It’s hard to believe the time has gone by so fast. Every year the Muhammad Ali Center hosts an Ali Festival to mark this anniversary and really to celebrate Muhammad’s legacy,” said Jeanie Kahnke of the Muhammad Ali Center.

Shortly after, the public can pay their respects from noon-3 p.m. at Cave Hill. Guests will want to enter from the Broadway entrance. The first 1,000 attendees will get a rose to place at the site. Guests will also get a coupon that can be used for discounted entry to the Muhammad Ali Center any day throughout Ali Week.

The events continue into the evening with the premiere of City of Ali. The documentary focuses on what took place in Louisville between Ali’s passing and his memorial five years ago. 

“It is inspiring, it’s motivating. I’ve seen it multiple times and have cried each time. It’s inspiring. It’s motivating and it really brings back a look at what Louisville was like at that time,” said Kahnke.

While the documentary premieres Thursday night, there will be other showings throughout Ali Week at the Louisville Muhammad Ali Center before it will be screened nationally.

Screening Dates and Times:

  • Friday, June 4: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 5 : 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 6: 3 p.m.
  • Monday, June 7: 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, June 8: 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 9: 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 10: 3 p.m.
  • Friday, June 11: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 12: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 13: 3 p.m.

Families can also look out for the Ali Community Bus. Kahnke said, when Ali lived in Louisville, he used to go all over town too talk to kids, tell jokes and give them advice. The Ali Community Bus is aimed at honoring Ali’s tradition. It will have games and activities for kids.

Here is the schedule for the Ali Community Bus:

 

Monday, June 7: 

 

 

  • 12 p.m.-11:30: Youthbuild (800 S. Preston St.)
  • 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Chestnut Street Family YMCA (930 W. Chestnut St.)

 

 

Wednesday, June 9

 

 

  • 12 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. : Newburg Community Center (4810 Exeter Ave.)
  • 3 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. : Neighborhood House (201 N. 25th St.)

 

 

Friday, June 11:

 

 

  • 10 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. : Jewish Community Center (3600 Dutchmans Ln.)
  • 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. : Parkland Boys and Girls Club (3200 Greenwood Ave.)

 

For more information about Ali Week events, visit the Muhammad Ali Center’s website.

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