Meeting Muhammad

In the winter of 96’ my high school newspaper class took an educational trip to Chicago. One of the eatery’s we visited (that wasn’t the educational part) while in the Windy City was Michael Jordan’s Restaurant.

Various items of sports memorabilia decorated the walls and lined along some of the shelving units were a slew of autographed basketballs. Athletes, actors, musicians, and all sorts of celebrities had penned their names across the Air Jordan basketballs placed throughout the restaurant.

Due to the size of our school group, we were placed on the top level and seated directly in the center of the floor. It didn’t take long for me to choose a menu option. I decided on the cheapest burger because I wanted to spend my money at FAO Schwarz- that also wasn’t the educational part of the trip.

Shortly after ordering, I noticed two beefy men walk up to a nondescript door off to the side of the dinning room. They gave a brief set of knocks and were allowed entry by an equally tall, gargantuan man and my interest was piqued.

Had I not seen the permanent markers they were holding, I probably would have dismissed them as members of management. However, seeing the large amount of autographed items plastered around the restaurant, my investigative reporter senses were on high alert in the hopes of a celebrity sighting. I just wish my common sense senses had also been on high alert. I also wish there was such a thing as common sense senses.

 I kept my eyes peeled on that door for a solid 8 minutes, and then… out stepped The Greatest. He was flanked by three massive body guards and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. So naturally in the middle of the restaurant, I stood, pointed, and very loudly exclaimed: “Look everyone, it’s Muhammad Ali!!!”

 Not cool, Char. Not cool.

Realization of my idiocy struck and I sunk to my chair wanting to crawl under the table from embarrassment. But Mr. Ali took it completely in stride, crooked his finger, and directed me to join his entourage while the restaurant watched.

I walked towards this imposing figure with both awe and trepidation. Here was a man, a legend I had only known through social-studies books and television clips standing before me. I had always found him fascinating for his boxing accolades, strong convictions, and personal triumphs. So for me it was like standing before a piece of living, breathing, African-American history.

I wanted to ask him a million questions. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s had made it difficult for him to speak, but it did not prevent him from putting me into a well deserved headlock!

He was indeed there to sign a basketball for the restaurant but took a few moments to joke around, feign anger, and throw pretend punches with me. He even posed for pictures with some of my classmates and placed bunny rabbit ears on their heads.

I will always remember Mr. Ali for his kindness and humor that day. 

For a man who built so much of his legacy stinging like a bee, I only found the beautiful flight of a butterfly.

#RIPMuhammad