Muhammad Ali, the former three-time heavyweight champion, came close to many African American leaders during the civil rights movement. Apart from being a boxing icon, the former champ took an active part in eradicating conservative thought processes that discriminate against people on the basis of color in independent America. He knew about this part of society from his childhood, but when he himself underwent racial exploitation, he had to stand up to it. He began targeting the way society was made, where every good thing was related to white and bad to black. To register his protest, he even threw his Olympic Gold Medal into the Ohio river. This was the first time when Ali caught nationwide attention.
It was during this time; he crossed paths with the legendary Black leader Malcolm X. He was Muslim and a vocal advocate for Black Nationalism. The man had such a big influence that he played an important role in the conversion of Ali’s religion. Along with Ali, there were many unsung heroes who sacrificed everything to create a society where Black People can walk with their heads held high.
This piece is all about identifying one such unsung hero who walked toe-to-toe with Ali and Malcolm X. He appeared in an old picture that surfaced on Twitter recently.
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The picture was taken by Howard Bingham in 1963. In which this man appears between Ali and Malcolm X. The picture is popular and could be seen in museums across America and Africa because it recalls the days when racial tensions were high.
Who is this man in the photo with Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X?
This man is Mr. Pleas Tusant Pearson. An incredible hero of the Civil Rights Moment who worked as an Entrepreneur when Black People were restricted to do undignified work in society.
His daughter Janell Pearson wrote the biography of this man in the book ‘For the Strength of Harlem’.
A page name Black Enterprise shared this picture and wrote, “Daughter Reveals Identity of the Man Between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali in Historic 1963 Photo.”
Daughter Reveals Identity of the Man Between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali in Historic 1963 Photo https://t.co/SCvOXkBUbS
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) January 25, 2023
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Like Pearson, there were many unsung heroes who still remain in pictures and books, but have yet to gain the recognition they deserve.
What do you think of this picture? Let us know in the comments below.
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