Muhammad Ali’s daughter shares insight into the man, he and we called “The Greatest”
By: Cheryl Smith
Do you really know what it means to “Float like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee?”
You have to see her and hear her to really glean insight into “The Champ.”
When Maryum “May May” Ali said she was bringing her one-woman show to Dallas, of course the message was received with enthusiasm.
After all, not only was she the daughter of a legend, the Champ, Muhammad Ali; but she was also a legend in her own right, having had an impressive career as an entertainer, actress, author, speaker and social worker/educator.
Sitting in the Bishop Arts Theatre, listening to her speak was an adventure.
Yes, it was a one-woman show, but she brought so many characters to the forefront, adding characters of all ages, genders and ethnicities; making her performance all the more riveting.
Not only did you hear the different characters, you were able to imagine them as she walked around the stage educating and entertaining the audience.
At one point, I put my head down, just listening intently. I thought a clip was being played of her father speaking.
Then I looked up and much to my amazement, she was standing on the stage in front of a lectern, looking and, more importantly for that scene, sounding like the Champ.
But it wasn’t Muhammad, it was May May!
She didn’t shy away from sensitive subjects as she talked about growing up as an African American female Muslim. It was refreshing to hear her tackle sensitive issues that we all really need to become more comfortable discussing – like racism, terrorism, humanity, religion, healthy relationships and tolerance.
Now I will stop here with an invitation to check out FLOAT. You have until June 7, to attend the performance. Today the performance will be at 4:00p.m. and weekday performances are at 7:00p.m.
Alicia Brown-Young, Founder/Principle/CEO of ABY Digital Marketing and Communications, LLC told me it was great and Alicia knows what she is talking about.
May May, the oldest child of Muhammad and Khalilah Ali, and also the oldest of his nine children, will make you laugh out loud, smile, shed a tear, think, develop an understanding, and maybe even challenge or inspire you to become a better person.
I spent time with her mom years ago when she visited Dallas’ Muhammad’s Mosque Number 48. May May is definitely her father’s and her mother’s child as she is intelligent, witty, candid, sincere, and possesses an impeccable work ethic.
Did I also say she is a fighter?
And I’d also be derelict in my assessment if I left out one word her father used when describing himself — “pretty.”
So go see the gorgeous, talented Mary on stage. You’ll be glad you did!
Who: Mary “May May” Ali
What: Float – a one woman show
Where: 215 S Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208
When: Through June 7
Phone: (214) 948-0716
