Muhammad Ali in 1974. Photo by John H. White / Environmental Protection Agency / Environmental Protection Agency
Andre Cramblit, a member of the Karuk Tribe, waxes nostalgic about the passing of Muhammad Ali, the world-famous boxer who died on June 3 at the age of 74:
The pugilist formerly known as Cassius Clay was always a favorite in our family. My Aunt Violet liked his sassy mouth, although he would was never in her league. My Uncle Leonard liked his powerful yet poetic punches and also his punch lines. I can still hear him yell at the TV “Go, fancy pants!” referring to both his silken style and smooth wardrobe. As children my brother and I would wrap towels around our hands and start sparring. Being the five years older he always got to be Ali and I was always Frazier or Foreman. One time my brother bet me a million dollars that Ali would beat Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila.” Always the underdog, I eagerly took that bet. Little did I know that the fight had already taken place across the international dateline and my brother already knew the outcome. When I woke up Joe Garagiola announced my ignominious defeat on the Today show. That’s how big brothers will do ya. But in the long run I came out ahead since I never paid up on that bet. If I ever did atone for that owed obligation my brother would be a prosperous man indeed. When we were small boys we pondered philosophically what it would mean to be rich. Coming from the typical Native background we were poor in western terms of money and luxuries. On the other hand we were "NDN" wealthy with family, culture and the abundance of the bounty found in the natural environment of our ancestors, as our tribe were never relocated by force unlike so many others. In our youthful naiveté (ok, more like cluelessness), we decided that being rich meant we could buy a Big Mac whenever we wanted or never having to get a haircut from that dreaded $2 barber that our parents took us to.Get the Story:
André Cramblit: Muhammad Ali and Rich Family Memories (Indian Country Today 6/25)
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