Readers wish to honor Ali
Published 12:10 pm Thursday, May 18, 2006
By Staff
Our readers consistently prove they are caring and creative people. Over the years, they have shared many wonderful ideas for bettering our community.
Two readers this week wrote to us suggesting something we think is a marvelous idea: Honoring Muhammad Ali for his many contributions to Niles and its children.
Our readers suggested we rename a street for Muhammad Ali, as a "great tribute to a great person who has graced the Niles and Howard Township areas."
The suggestion was prompted by last Saturday's dedication of the new Niles High School baseball field, which was spearheaded by the Ali family and funded by the Alis and Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch.
We promptly discussed the idea with city officials and with Niles Community Schools officials, who agree such an idea would be a most fitting and deserved tribute. All involved in the discussions agreed that the portion of 17th Street from Eagle to Lake should be renamed on an honorary basis as Muhammad Ali Parkway.
The Niles Daily Star would consider it an honor to fund the purchase of the street signs and Niles Community Schools officials said they would welcome the installation of the signs on school property near 17th and Eagle and 17th and Lake.
Muhammad and Lonnie Ali have done so much for the community of Niles. They have provided the funding to build "Champs Field" near Howard-Ellis Elementary and have now helped build a new high school baseball field that is the talk of southwest Michigan.
They also have done so much more for so many others, yet they seek no thanks or recognition.
We urge First Ward Councilmembers Patricia Gallagher and Georgia Boggs to jointly bring a resolution before the Niles City Council at its next meeting, seeking to rename on an honorary basis the portion of 17th Street outlined above as Muhammad Ali Parkway.
We can think of no better way to honor the Ali family for their caring and generosity and many contributions to our community and its young people.