The world lost a luminary this past week when Muhammad Ali died of septic shock in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ali was known for being both one of the best boxers off all time while also being an outspoken critic of racial inequality in the United States. Ali was truly a great man who inspired millions by never forsaking his principles. This was never more evident than by when Ali refused to be drafted in the Vietnam war, even when it meant being stripped of his boxing license. Ali was the only three time lineal heavyweight champion ever. After his career ended, Ali was voted the third greatest athlete of the 20th century by ESPN. A plethora of praise has been heaped upon Ali in the days following his death but there is one particular commendation that has struck a resounding chord in me. This commendation is that Ali transcended race, Ali is not the first black icon to receive this "honor:" Michael Jackson, Prince, and Oprah have also been described as those who have transcended race.
I've seen this before and thought the phrase was just used for a person so iconic he transcended race and was universally loved.Then I tried to think of any white icon described as transcending race, and I couldn't think of one. That led me to further think on the phrase transcending race, to transcend means to go beyond the range or limits of something. So what does it mean when mainstream media says a black Icon transcends his race?
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Jessie Williams star of Grey's Anatomy put it perfectly when he stated, "Transcended race is a declaration that Black people generally make you uncomfortable, but not this one, at this distance, at this time."
This is the overwhelming feeling I get when I hear mainstream media say a black athlete, singer or poet transcended race, I get the feeling that the average black person is considered less than or inferior and that only through tremendous achievements can they rise above their stock. Using this coded language for Ali is especially peculiar due to Ali being one of the most pro black athletes who ever lived; it's a sort of erasure of his legacy to say he transcended the very thing that drove much of what he said and did.
If Ali was alive today he would rebuke the fact that he had transcended his race, he would ask what is there to transcend? While probably adding to his long list of memorable quotes. Muhammad Ali did not transcend his race he exemplified it's best qualities, perseverance through struggle and the success prevalent in the black community he loved so much and fought so hard for throughout his life. Ali's life was shaped and cultivated by his blackness and this should not be overlooked or discarded. Ali was the best of US and he exemplified the best of blackness and Ali should never be separated from it.
