Muhammad Ali reflects on the name Cassius Clay

About This Item

KTVU news footage from June 30, 1967 featuring scenes from a press conference by Muhammad Ali, who explains the cultural significance of a recent decision to change his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. Ali states: "Muhammad means one who's worthy of all praises and one who's praiseworthy and Ali means the most high. But Clay only meant dirt with no ingredients ... Cassius Clay was the name of the white slave master." He goes on to point out how names are closely linked to stereotypes of both national and ethnic identity and when a reporter ask if he intends to change his name 'legally', Ali rejects the idea that he must ask permission to choose his own name. Please note: different scenes from the same press conference may be viewed in KRON-TV footage shot on the same day. Opening graphic designed by Carrie Hawks.

This 16mm film print was remastered in 4K (4096 x 2970) using a Lasergraphics ScanStation film scanner, in June 2022.

Originally aired on
KTVU News
Date aired
6/30/1967
Recording medium
16mm b&w magnetic sound film
2:43
Rights for this video belong to
Cox Enterprises Inc/KTVU
Type of material
archival news film
Identifier
KTVU 8-1
Views
34480

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