It's not everyday you get a chance to sit down and have a conversation with someone who had a front row seat to historic moments and people. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to spend some time with a woman who has lived such a fascinating life and is filled with so much grace and wisdom, the I encourage you to check her out this weekend in Tyler.

The Texas African American Museum (TAAM) will hold its Inaugural Black History Month Gala Saturday Night.

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The Texas African American Museum in Tyler will be hosting its fundraiser tonight at Hollytree Country Clube located at 6700 Hollytree Dr. in Tyler featuring Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali who is well known as a Humanitarian, Author, Actress & former wife of Boxing Great Muhammad Ali, as its guest speaker. Her topic is “A Time of Reckoning-Healing the Past.”

"Mama Ali" Has Lived An Incredible Life

2014 Winter TCA Tour - Day 13
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Born Belinda Tolona Ali Boyd to a family in Chicago, Illinois that participated in both their Masjid (place of worship) and their community. Khalilah subsequently became active in both the civil rights movement and youth leadership in the Nation of Islam. As a youth leader in her Masjid, Khalilah helped educate young women in all aspects of home economics and family health. Her interest in fitness led her to acquire a 9th degree black belt in karate. She also trained with Bruce Lee.

At the tender age of 17, Khalilah Camacho Ali married the Heavyweight Champion of the World, Cassius Marcellus Clay.

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During their marriage, like Muhammad Ali, she changed her name. She became Khalilah, to better reflect her religious beliefs. Khalilah fully supported Ali’s conscientious objection to the military draft, which cost him his boxing title in 1967. That injustice was later overturned by the Supreme Court. Traveling with Muhammad Ali, she visited over 100 countries, meeting world leaders and heads of state.

Today, Khalilah the mother of six children, is an accomplished author, actor, producer, and a prolific public speaker.

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She has been honored to receive awards and accolades from numerous institutions: an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from the Christian Southern University of Indiana: a distinguished service award from the United Negro College Fund: The Push for Excellence National Citation from Rev. Jesse Jackson; the first Sister Roberta Thorpe Award in Cotton Plant, Arkansas; and many others.

Tickets Are Still Available To The TAAM Fundraiser

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I encourage you to check her out tonight, plus you'll be helping raise funds for the TAAM! Tickets are $50 For additional information please contact taam@empowermencdc.org or call 903-283-6089. You can check out more of my interview with "Mama Ali" inside the podcast button of the Kiss App or below.

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