Original article at: “Muhammad Ali – Heavyweight Ideals” Mural in Louisville, Kentucky – Obey Giant
The crew and I just returned from Louisville, KY where we painted a 7 story mural of one of my heroes and a son of Louisville, Muhammad Ali. Ali was an incredible athlete who was dazzling in the ring, a glorious showman athletically and verbally, and resilient in the face of defeat, earning the heavyweight title 3 times. However, in this mural, based on an incredible photo by Howard Bingham provided by his son Dustin (@dusbing), I wanted to emphasize Ali’s role as an outspoken citizen and activist. Ali was a civil rights activist, a conscientious objector to the the Vietnam war, a philanthropist, and a U.N. Messenger of Peace. I admire that Ali stood up for what he believed even when he potentially faced jail and the end of his boxing career. The Chestnut St. YMCA (@chestnutstreetymca) where we painted the mural is blocks from Ali’s childhood school and a place he frequented in his youth. I’m very grateful to the YMCA for providing an incredible wall with an authentic connection to Ali’s life. A project of this magnitude can’t come to fruition without a lot of people to collaborating generously. My friend of 25 years, Eddie Donaldson of Guerilla One (@guerillaone) led the charge on bringing this project together, as well as the Outside Influence art show to benefit Artists for Trauma. Eddie pulled together an amazing coalition of supporters including the Mayor, Danny Wimmer Presents, Kroger, and many others (Instagram tags mentioned below).
Witness History Through His Lens: The Story of Howard Bingham- Coming Soon!
Step into the world of legendary photographer Howard Bingham, the man who bore witness to history through his lens. A new documentary unveils the extraordinary career which included his over 50-year friendship with boxing icon Muhammad Ali, capturing the moments that defined both a man and an era. Their story began in 1962, when Bingham, then a newspaper photographer, first met a young and charismatic Ali. What started as an assignment soon became an unbreakable bond, as Bingham traveled the globe alongside the champion, camera in hand. Through every triumph, every challenge, and every historic moment, Bingham’s lens preserved not just the image of Ali, but the soul of the man behind the legend. With rare photographs and never-before-seen footage, the documentary takes audiences behind the scenes of Bingham’s life. It is a story of trust, loyalty, and a friendship that stood the test of time. Bingham’s dedication went beyond photography; a silent witness to history unfolding before him. Unlike most photographers, he sought no personal gain, only the truth reflected through his camera. His work did not stop at sports—his lens captured the pulse of America, from the Civil Rights Movement to the rise of the Black Panthers, ensuring
