Social Activist, Author, Fashion Designer's Mission to Raise Awareness of the Efforts of UNICEF and Other Humanitarian Agencies Serving the DRC LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Khaliah Ali, daughter of legendary boxing icon Muhammad Ali, has arrived today in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to honor the 35th anniversary of the historic 'Rumble in the Jungle' bout between Ali and George Foreman. This marks the first time that an Ali family member has returned to the city where one of sports' most historic events occurred (October 30, 1974). Khaliah began her humanitarian visit to the DRC Oct. 25, in her mission to help raise awareness of the efforts of UNICEF as well as other Humanitarian agencies serving the region.
At a commemorative ceremony Oct. 30, Khaliah's visit to the DRC will culminate at the Mai 20 Stadium, site of 'The Rumble in the Jungle' where she will be greeted by members of the media, government and townspeople. She will also visit facilities where her father trained for the epic bout.
Upon arrival in the DRC, Khaliah was welcomed to the Province of Katanga, the first stop on her itinerary, by Governor Moise Katumbi Chapwe. Khaliah has visited Lubumbashi, where in addition to working with UNICEF, she met and spoke with many local Congolese citizens, addressed students at The University of Lubumbashi and learned about the diverse needs of the Congolese people. Khaliah also placed the first stone at The Georges Malaika School for Girls in Kalebuka, Katanga, founded by native Congolese Noella Coursaris Musunka, an international fashion model and humanitarian. Khaliah has also visited women's collectives, nutritional feeding programs, small farmers projects, and medical facilities created to serve the population affected by the region's ongoing civil wars.
"My father and the Congolese people share a remarkable bond born from an event that empowered a country and supported him as he reclaimed his heavyweight crown. I know that the spirit of the 60,000 people who witnessed the fight, lives inside his heart to this day," says Khaliah. "It has been my dream to show my deep affection and gratitude to the Congolese people for the integral role they played in my own family's history."
SOURCE Khaliah Ali
