Muhammad Ali and Malcom X’s Historic Breakfast Remembered 60 Years Later by Daughter’s Visit Down to Memory Lane

“If you like to lose your money, be a fool and bet on Sonny” were the words spoken by underdog Cassius Clay [later Muhammad Ali] before the fight against then WBA and WBC Heavyweight champion Sonny Liston on the 25th of February, 1964. And true to his words, besides exposing and frustrating Liston, Clay almost toyed with the champion in several instances during the fight. Ultimately, after the sixth round, Liston’s corner retired.

It has been 60 years since Cassius Clay conquered Sonny Liston for the first time at the Convention Center, Miami Beach. Among other legendary figures of the time, human rights activist Malcolm X also attended the famous fight. People widely believe that X’s presence greatly encouraged Clay to overcome Liston in the ring. And after Clay became the new WBA and WBC Heavyweight champion of the world, on February 26th, the champion and Malcolm X ate breakfast together at the famous Hampton House in Florida which Maryum Ali now visited. It was the next day after that breakfast at Hampton House that Cassius Clay changed his name to Cassius X and then a few days later to Muhammad Ali.

Taking to Instagram, Maryum Ali, Muhammad Ali’s eldest daughter, shared several pictures of the Hampton House then and now. In one, Maryum Ali stood right in front of a wall picture of Malcolm X and her father Muhammad Ali. Captioning the post, Maryum wrote that she was a baby when she was at the Hampton House last time in 1969. “The presence of the past can be felt in this incredible place!” she wrote.

Maryum Ali recalled the Hampton House used to be a Green Book Site besides serving as a gathering spot for influential figures during the Civil Rights era from 1950-1970. Other than Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali also met activist Martin Luther King Jr. at the Hampton House. On that note, Maryum added, “My family and I enjoyed our visit and seeing the rooms where our parents and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed.”

Regarding Ali and Malcolm X’s friendship, a documentary later came out titled Blood Brothers directed by Marcus A. Clarke. On that occasion, speaking to People, Maryum Ali and Malcolm X’s daughters recalled the friendship shared by the two.

“So much in common”: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X admired one another

Other than Malcolm X, NFL RB Jim Brown and singer Sam Cook joined Muhammad Ali in Miami. Based on this incident, in 2020, Regina King released a film titled – One Night in Miami. Anyway, when Blood Brothers was coming out in 2021, X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz and Ali’s daughter Maryum Ali joined People Magazine for an interview. Speaking about the friendship that grew between X and Ali, Maryum said, “I think my dad admired Malcolm’s desire to constantly learn and grow intellectually and spiritually. And I think he learned from that because my father, he was like that himself.”

On the other hand, Shabazz said, “I think what he [X] admired in Muhammad Ali was his wisdom. They had so much in common: seeking identity and purpose and also sharing a great sense of humor.” Indeed, a great friendship it was. With that said, what do you have to say about this blast from the past? Have you ever been to the Hampton House? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.