Muhammad Ali’s wife Lonnie Ali talks about funeral in Louisville
Muhammad Ali died on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74. After his funeral The Courier Journal sat down with his wife Lonnie Ali to recap the moments.
Black History Month, celebrated each February, is a federally recognized time to reflect on the significant roles that Black Americans played in shaping history. There are numerous events and ways to celebrate the history and culture of Black Americans in Louisville this year, from movie screenings and concerts to plays, history discussions and more.
Here’s a list of events taking place in Louisville, listed by date:
WHAT: A novelist who is fed up with the establishment profiting from Black entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of the hypocrisy and madness he claims to disdain. Presented by the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center Office of Health Equity and Engagement and Louisville Free Public Library. Rated: R
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion will follow. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Explore Black History for toddlers with books, songs, movement, and art activities. For ages 2-3 (10 a.m.) and 3-5 (11 a.m.).
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Northeast Regional, 15 Bellevoir Circle
WHEN: Feb. 4, 10 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
The Ideal Bartender Tasting Experience
WHAT: Learn about the life and legacy of legendary bartender Tom Bullock, the first Black American to write and publish a cocktail book, with a premium whiskey tasting experience. Taste three premium whiskeys from Evan Williams Bourbon’s award-winning portfolio and enjoy one of Tom’s most famous creations.
WHERE: Evans Williams Bourbon, 528 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb. 6, 7,13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 18, 11:45 a.m., 1:45 and 3:45 p.m.
COST: $35
MORE INFORMATION: evanwilliams.com/plan-your-trip.
WHAT: Come to the Teen Underground to make your own zine focusing on Black poets. A zine, short for magazine or fanzine. For ages 12-19.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 4, 3:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.orghttps://www.lfpl.org.
WHAT: Visit the Muhammad Ali Center and learn about the boxer, humanitarian and social activist. There are two floors of interactive exhibits and memorabilia as well as two floors of art exhibits.
Exhibits:
- The Greatest Timeline: Relive the triumphs and drama of Muhammad Ali’s unparalleled boxing career.
- All Ali, All the Time: A ringside seat to watch some of Muhammad Ali’s most famous fights.
- Lighting the Way: Watch Ali lighting the Olympic cauldron and see his torch from this captivating appearance.
- Six Core Principals: Explore and reflect on the set of six values that guided Muhammad Ali’s life.
- Train With Ali: Test your boxing skills in a recreation of the Champ’s Deer Lake training camp.
WHERE: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
WHEN: Feb. 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-March 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: $20, $17 seniors, $10 for ages 6-17 free for ages 5 and younger. alicenter.org.
WHAT: The comedy follows young man who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people committed to enhancing the lives of white individuals. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 5, 4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Come early to build your own concessions bag of treats and popcorn. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Travel with Harriet Tubman and friends on the Underground Railroad. Learn about Tubman’s life as a slave, her work on the Underground Railroad, and her role in the Civil War. Featuring Sheryl Rouse as Harriet.
WHERE: The Russell Theater, New Directions, 516 S. 17th St.
WHEN: Feb. 6, 7, 13 and 14, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 8, noon; Feb. 9 and 16, 4 p.m.
MORE INFORMATUON: Tickets start at $30. eventbrite.com
WHAT: The documentary tells the story of professional boxer Muhammad Ali using personal audio recordings Ali made himself during the 1970s, interviews of friends, family members, and people associated with professional boxing. Rated: PG.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Southwest Regional Branch, 9725 Dixie Highway
WHEN: Feb. 6, 6 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A discussion will follow. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Learn how to access more than two dozen historic Black newspapers from cities across the United States, including the Louisville Defender.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Northeast Regional Branch, 15 Bellevoir Circle
WHEN: Feb. 6, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Explore Black History for toddlers with books, songs, movement, and art activities. For ages 3-5
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Middletown Branch, 12556 Shelbyville Road
WHEN: Feb. 8, 11 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: A panel of former educators will discuss their journeys as teachers and administrators in the Louisville/Jefferson County Public School system. Dr. Rita G. Greer, author of “Teacher Journeys: Memories, Reflections, and Lessons from 20th-Century African-American Educators” is the moderator. A discussion will follow.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Shawnee Branch, 3912 W. Broadway
WHEN: Feb. 8, 11 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Refreshments will be served. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Celebrate Black History Month was a dance performance from the Satin Rhythm Dance Team, part of the Simmons College of Kentucky Revolutionary Sound of the South Marching Band. Stephanie Kirtley, Band Auxiliary Coordinator/Dance Coach.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Southwest Regional Branch, 9725 Dixie Highway
WHEN: Feb. 8, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Inspired by a true story, the film follows Donna and Reverend W. C. Martin and their church in East Texas, in which 22 families adopted 77 children from the local foster system. Presented by the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center Office of Health Equity and Engagement and Louisville Free Public Library. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 9, 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion will follow. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Reading books by Black authors and illustrators. For ages birth to 2 (10:05 a.m.) and ages 2-3 (10:45 a.m.).
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Crescent Hill Branch, 2762 Frankfort Ave.
WHEN: Feb. 12, 10:05 and 10:45 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: An updated version on the classic movie that follows Celie, a Black American girl given away in marriage by her abusive father to a farmer who treats her cruelly. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 12, 4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Come early to build your own concessions bag of treats and popcorn. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: The Magic of Motown is a journey through Motown’s best including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and more.
WHERE: Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $60.55. kentuckyperformingarts.org.
WHAT: Test your knowledge by playing this jeopardy style game to find how well you know Black history.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Bon Air Branch, 2816 Del Rio Place
WHEN: Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: University of Louisville Department of Theatre’s African American Theatre Program show follows a group of formerly incarcerated employees at a truck stop diner, and one man’s quest for the perfect sandwich.
WHERE: The Playhouse, 1911 S. Third St.
WHEN: Feb. 14, 15, 21, 22, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 19, 10 a.m.; Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
COST: $20 general admission; $15 seniors, UofL faculty and staff, $10 students.
MORE INFORMATION: $20 general admission; $15 seniors, UofL faculty and staff, $10 students. onthestage.tickets/university-of-louisville.
WHAT: Spotlighting graphic novels, artwork, and activities featuring some of the media’s most popular and not-so-popular Black superheroes. Come dressed as your favorite superhero.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Shawnee Branch, 3912 W. Broadway
WHEN: Feb. 15, 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Learn about Alma Thomas and the impact of her art. Recreate your favorite Alma Thomas work of art. For ages 6-12.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Newburg Branch, 4800 Exeter Ave.
WHEN: Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: This film details the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and chronicles how lives today are defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. Presented by the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center Office of Health Equity and Engagement and Louisville Free Public Library. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 16, 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion with academic experts and community leaders will follow. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Enjoy fun stories with puppets, including a full-length puppet show of African American folktales. For ages 4 -12.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 18, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Rapper and singer. With Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior, and Eelmatic.
WHERE: KFC Yum! Center, 1 Arena Plaza
WHEN: Feb. 18, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets star at $59. ticketmaster.com.
WHAT: Family story time to celebrate Black History Month. For ages birth to 6.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Fairdale Branch, 10620 W. Manslick Road
WHEN: Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect the kingdom of Wakanda from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. Rated: PG-13.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 19, 4:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: Greenwood, Louisville, and Forest Home Cemeteries are just a few of the historic Black cemeteries in the city of Louisville. Learn the history of these spaces. Participants are encouraged to share their memories and knowledge of these spaces as well.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Kaira Tucker to register kaira.tucker@lfpl.org or 502-574-1649. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: The Kentucky Opera presents the story inspired by the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a former sharecropper who rose to national prominence at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.
WHERE: 708 Magazine St.
WHEN: Feb. 21, 8 p.m.; Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $28
MORE INFORMATION: kyopera.org.
WHAT: Celebration of Black-owned businesses, from local small businesses, corporate executives, public officials, and community leaders will be honored for their contributions to the economy and for improving the quality of life in the community.
WHERE: Kentucky Center for African American Heritage,1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
WHEN: Feb. 22, 5-10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $50 includes dinner; VIP is $75 and includes dinner, stage area seating and a swag bag. eventbrite.com.
WHAT: An evening filled with cultural celebrations, dining, and entertainment by the Unlimited Show Band. Proceeds to benefit the MOLO Village Community Development Corporation.
WHERE: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 North 6th St.
WHEN: Feb. 22, 7-10:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $125. eventbrite.com.
WHAT: A group of LGBTQ youths of color unite to form a safe gathering space. Presented by the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center Office of Health Equity and Engagement and Louisville Free Public Library. Not rated.
WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
WHEN: Feb. 23, 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: A panel discussion with academic experts and community leaders will follow. Free. lfpl.org.
WHAT: The (Un)known Project and the Kentucky Performing Arts presents a series of monologues based on the narratives of enslaved women in Kentucky. Witness the stories of love, motherhood, heartbreak, resilience, and ultimate triumph.
WHERE: Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.; March 1, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Recommended for ages 12 and older. Tickets start at $35.10. kentuckyperformingarts.org.
WHAT: Tribute show where you can hear Michael Jackson’s greatest hits.
WHERE: Mercury Ballroom, 611 S. Fourth St.
WHEN: Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $19. mercuryballroom.com.
Reach features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
