LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Saturday night, the Muhammad Ali Center was packed with guests honoring awardees from Kentucky and around the world who show traits of Ali.


What You Need To Know

  • The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian awards celebrated people who honor Ail's humanitarianism 

  • There are two categories of awards: seasoned award winners and six core principles award winners

  • For the first time ever one of the principle awards went to a Kentucky native

  • The Muhammad Ali Center created the awards in 2013 making this the 10th year the center has honored humanitarianism

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian awards celebrated people who honor Ail’s humanitarianism. 

“To be recognized with an award that bears his name is one of the most amazing experiences of my life, so I don’t even know what to say,” said Jason Flom, who received the award for lifetime achievement.

Awardees are split into two categories, the first being seasoned award winners who have dedicated a good amount of time to humanitarianism, like the CEO of Kind LLC who has dedicated his time to bridging divides.

“I think that’s what we need today for people to be able to transcend differences, to unite together and be more compassionate, be more forgiving, and work together for racial difference, for a better future,” said Daniel Lubetzky, civility and compassion award recipient.

The second category of award winners represents each of Muhammad Ali’s core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality.  

“So when I was 19, I was shot five times by a Pittsburgh police officer. I went through a lot of darkness, but I came out into the light and last year I launched the foundation alongside the chief of police for bridging the gap between police and community,” said Leon Ford, who was the respect award recipient. 

For the first time ever, one of the principle awards went to a Kentucky native. The 27-year-old Lexington resident is working on improving Kentucky education policy.

“I hope that me winning this award is a message to young people across the commonwealth that you don’t have to wait for your 18th birthday in order to speak truth to power. We’re trying to change conditions in your life for your family,” said Andrew Brennen, the confidence award recipient. 

Some awardees have even taken on the Ali name in a more literal sense.

“I always love to call Jason “Muflommad Ali”, we kind of renamed him,” said Khalilah Ali, Muhammad Ali’s daughter.

Kentuckian of the year went to Louisville Metro Police Officer Nickolas Wilt. 

The Muhammad Ali Center created the awards in 2013, making this the 10th year the center has honored humanitarianism.