FAIRHAVEN, MASS.- At 200+ pages and with hundreds of photos and illustrations, this definitive work fills a void in the life story of one of the greatest figures of the 20th century!

The other side of Muhammad Ali is revealed in a new book published just in time to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Ali’s birthday in January 2022.

Ali’s son says: “I am proud to write this foreword for brother Rodney's book about my father, Muhammad Ali's Other Side. For decades this has been an untold story. This book fills a gap in my dad's legacy - a legacy that still continues to grow over time. This book does honor to me, my father, my entire family, the African-American community, and the world.”

OVERVIEW:

Many powerful men who left their mark on history had another side-- often little known, often sensitive, and often artistic. During World War II, Churchill and Eisenhower all took time out from the tension of war to pursue their private interests in painting and writing. And so it should come as no surprise that one of the greatest fighters of all times, Muhammad Ali had another side.

Part I of this book is about “Ali The Artist.” In contrast to Ali’s belief that he was "the greatest fighter of all times," it should be noted that Ali did not claim to be a great artist. In part, he created art to convey his political and religious messages in the same way he used his poetry. As Ali used to say, "I draw pictures with meanings." Many of his paintings convey his social message of black pride and black resistance to white domination and show his trial for refusing induction into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Ali's artistic interests were developed by his father, Cassius Clay, Sr., who was a full-time sign painter and professional artist. Ali continued to draw and paint informally as he grew up and was able to get some serious art lessons from sports artist, Leroy Neiman, who attended most of his fights and with whom he had become good friends.

Part II of this work "Ali The Poet" contains about 35 of Ali's poems. Together with the poems in other chapters, the total approaches 40, making this book probably the largest single-source anthology of Ali's poetry available anywhere. Ali was a genius as a poet – reciting poems often 5 to 10 minutes long – just from memory!

Part III is devoted to “Ali The Prophet” - Ali's work for peace and racial justice in South Africa, his hostage rescue missions and his many diplomatic efforts around the world. They are an important part of Black History. Ali's paintings, social justice poems & political speeches at the UN were his messages of Peace & Love for people of all races, creeds and colors. They echo the message of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and are an inspiration for all times – but especially now in these troubled times.

Surprisingly, after all he had been through, Ali showed he still loved his country in his “I Love You America” painting which featured an American Flag!

The book explains why Ali should be regarded as a hero in the fight for Racial & Social Justice – all expressed in his paintings, his poetry, and speeches at the United Nations and elsewhere. He was the original Black Lives Fighter, and this work is a unique and valuable contribution to Black History and the Social Justice that Ali fought for.

The Author:

Rodney Hilton Brown, Esq., J.D. - Rodney is a Veteran and a published author in the field of military history and has assembled important collections in the fields of the Caribbean history, African-American history, Marine Corps & military memorabilia. He personally acquired and funded the restoration of the original 10-ton 1945 Iwo Jima Monument which was on display at the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum. In 2004 Brown was made an Honorary New York City Marine (USMYNYPAO) for his rescue, restoration, and exhibition of the Monument. His presentation for the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima entitled “The Meaning of Iwo Jima” was aired on several TV networks.

Prior Publications: “LEONARDO DA VINCI & THE GUNS OF COLUMBUS: The Sole Surviving Gun That Can Be Attributed to Da Vinci Is A Gold & Silver Heraldically Adorned Matchlock Gifted to Christopher Columbus By Queen Isabella In 1493 – Making It The Oldest Known American Gun” (2021).

“IWO JIMA MONUMENTS – The Untold Story” with Foreword by Gen. Michael W. Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (2019). “American Polearms 1526 – 1865” (1967) is a military collectors’ textbook sponsored as a Standard Reference Work in American military history by the Company of Military Historians. His H.M.S. Victory Collection article was published in the world’s oldest naval & nautical journal, The Mariner's Mirror, 101:2, (2015). Brown is also President and founder of The War Museum and The Museum of The Caribbean. Brown holds Bachelors's & Masters's degrees from Trinity College and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Columbia Law School. He is a member of the Explorers Club (NYC) where he has lectured on: The Taino – Lost Civilization of the Caribbean and The Guns of Columbus.