Muhammad Ali’s daughter, grandson carry on his fight for social justice

PHILADELPHIA — Muhammad Ali was known for his activism as much as he was for his exploits in the boxing ring. His fight for social justice is being continued by his family, including his daughter and grandson.

Khaliah Ali Wertheimer works on the board of the Philadelphia Juvenile Law Center and says the call for social change is evident in the region.

“Just so much to do in Philadelphia. I just found that during this period, it’s brought us all closer, all the organizations I work with closer, and it’s given us greater focus,” she said. 

Her son, Jacob Ali-Wertheimer, shared a special bond with his grandfather, and says he is hoping real change will happen.

The Harvard University prelaw student says the white community needs to make a greater impact to help end racism.

“White America needs to step up, needs to wake up and understand that this isn’t a Black problem because Black people aren’t the problem. This is a problem of the oppressor. This is a problem of white supremacy, and white supremacy needs to be dismantled by the people who exist and live within those communities,” he said. 

He believes listening is the best way for people to make a difference in the struggle against racism.

“White Americans never truly and fully understand the plight of being a Black man or woman in America, but what you can do is listen to what people are telling you, and do your best to educate yourself on the topic,” he said.

Both said Muhammad Ali's quest to deliver a message of love today would likely be combined with the pain of knowing there is still much more work to be done.