LeBron James Donates $2.5 Million to Smithsonian for Muhammad Ali Exhibit

CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is making sure boxing legend Muhammad Ali's legacy is preserved in one of America's premier museums. James recently announced that he would donate $2.5 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture's exhibit "Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change.”

Available for viewing since the museum’s September opening, it tells the story of how Ali’s contributions transcended the world of sport; his commitment to challenging racial barriers helped lay the groundwork for the successful careers of so many African-Americans in athletics and beyond.

“Every professional athlete, regardless of race and gender, owes a huge debt of gratitude to Muhammad Ali,” James said in a statement. “His legacy deserves to be studied and revered by every generation. I am honored to partner with the Smithsonian to celebrate one of the most influential figures in our nation’s history who, along with Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens, used the power of sports to advance our civil rights.”

The story of Ali spans both the Sports Gallery and the Making A Way Out of No Way Gallery. It includes collection highlights such as the heavyweight champion’s headgear and training robe worn at Dundee’s Fifth Street Gym. The exhibit allows visitors to look at Ali not only for his athletic achievement but also for his achievements in community activism, resistance, politics, spirituality and culture.

“I am overwhelmed by the incredible generosity LeBron James has shown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and to Muhammad’s legacy,” said Lonnie Ali, Ali’s widow, in a press release. “This exhibit will enable children visiting the Smithsonian to learn more about Muhammad’s work outside of the ring, particularly his humanitarian work and stance on social justice for all people. Thank you to LeBron James and the Smithsonian for making this possible. I know that if Muhammad was alive today he would be honored.”

Ali is also featured in the Michael Jordan Game Changers Hall of the Sports Gallery, which looks at the contributions of athletes, community leaders and institutions whose actions changed their sport, transcended their game and transformed the country both on and off the field.

"Muhammad Ali is such a cornerstone of me as an athlete because of what he represented not only in the ring as a champion but more outside the ring — what he stood for, what he spoke for, his demeanor," James told USA Today Sports in an exclusive interview about the exhibit.

James’ business partner Maverick Carter will also be part of the $2.5 million contribution to the Ali exhibit.

LeBron James photo from Keith Allison via Wikimedia Commons; Ali image via Library of Congress