Friends . . .
I am in the process of collecting stories, anecdotes and photographs from 1960's-era Beach kids whose lives somehow intersected with young Cassius Clay (pre-February 1964) or Muhammad Ali, whose iconic rise as legendary boxing champion, irrepressible showman, controversial Nation of Islam minister and principled war objector left more than a decade of historical footprints across hometown Miami Beach. Along the way, some of us came face-to-face with Ali. If you did, I'd like you to tell me your story. If you know of someone else who experienced an Ali moment in Miami Beach, I'd like to hear their story, too.
If it helps form a composite of the unlikely personal relationship between Ali and 1960's-era Miami Beach, you may get an opportunity to recount your experience in a feature documentary film. Or perhaps, contribute to something even bigger.
Did you have a close encounter of the Ali Kind?
Perhaps you exchanged waves and shout-outs with young Cassius, as he ran past your house while training for the Liston fight . . . or trailed him on your bicycle. Maybe he stopped to talk, sign an autograph, pose for a photo or kibbitz . . . or ate at your dad's drugstore lunch counter. Maybe you and your brother watched Ali train at the Fifth Street Gym . . . or were there when he tussled playfully with The Beatles. Perhaps you observed Ali in a quiet or poignant moment that made a impression . . . or saw him come face-to-face with 1960's racism. Every story counts, as long as it's authentic.
Better still, maybe yours is a made-for-cinema flashback . . . like a Beach High '68 classmate who, at 14, sneaked into the Ali-Liston fight, then watched boxing history unfold from a catwalk perched high above the ring. Or a life-changing moment . . . like the more familiar story of a Beach kid who, at 13, intersected with Cassius Clay as he ran along Bayshore Golf Course. They've been running together ever since. He's Ali's manager and trusted friend, Bernie Yuman ('67).
Did Ali touch you or someone you know in a way that somehow influenced or enriched your life? Or theirs? Perhaps you may have influenced his? Was the Ali you met different from the Ali you thought you knew? Did coming face-to-face with the most outspoken negro in America awaken or influence your perception of the civil rights movement, militant Islam, the war in Vietnam or your formative view of the world? Imbue you with wisdom? Make you laugh? Anger you? Give you something that you've passed down to your kids?
I'd like to hear your story.
These are the kinds of magical moments, moving stories and colorful anecdotes I hope to bring to life. If you've got an Ali story, please take a moment to complete the form or me a brief overview of your encounter(s) and what it meant to you, then and now. Just a few paragraphs, please. Not a novel. Please try to recall the year and place the encounter occurred, your age at the time; and characterize anyone else who may have been part of your encounter. If you have any related photos, even better. Don't send them. Just describe them.
Whatever you do, please keep it real and resist any urge to embellish . . . unless you can produce the unlikely 8mm home movies of you knocking-out Ali while sparring.
If your story can bring light, color, humor, humanity, sentiment, emotion, inspiration and/or historical texture to the project, I may ask to record an interview with you via Skype. If that goes well and the project progresses, stage three will be your on-camera interview for the film. Maybe, a little something else.
No Ali story to share?
You can still be a helpful contributor by forwarding this message to family, friends and Beach High alums who experienced 1960's-era Miami Beach and may have an Ali encounter to contribute. Prime candidates are Beach kids currently between the ages of 55 to 70.
To be clear, at present, this is only an exploratory mission. Whether or not this research graduates to a casting call will rely on the collective quality, color, context and consistency of your recollections. If the sum and substance reveal a compelling historical storyline with contemporary appeal, I'll try to document it on film.
Talk to me.
