Actor’s One-Man Show Reminds
BSC Black History Month Audience
of the legacy of Muhammad Ali

( Bluefield)—For two hours, the Basic Science Auditorium at Bluefield State College became a boxing ring, the streets of Louisville, Ky, and a stage to examine the societal changes and challenges that have taken place during the lifetime of Muhammad Ali. Vincent Cook (pictured left with Dr. Walker, President of BSC), an actor/comedian who studied Ali’s life and worked with Will Smith and Jamie Fox in the movie “ALI,” portrayed the former world heavyweight boxing champion for a large audience at BSC. The program was the College’s first 2006 Black History Month event.

Cook permitted his audience to “meet” Ali, portraying the legendary sports figure from his youth to his retirement and subsequent battle with Parkinson’s Disease. In detailing how Ali gained an interest in boxing and continuing through his rise in the sport’s amateur and professional ranks, Cook also pulled no punches in describing the challenges Ali faced when confronted by racism and matters of faith. “After I won an Olympic Gold medal,” Cook as Ali said, “I returned to Louisville and found that the best job I could get was cutting grass, sweeping porches, and watering a lawn. That’s when I decided I wanted more. What better time to claim your rights than right after you win the Olympics.”

He provided an insightful “first person” narrative that took his audience through Ali pro career, during which he became the only three-time heavyweight champion of the world. He also talked about his historic battles inside and outside the boxing ring, his conversion to Islam, and his biggest fight of all—against the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s.

“Life is not about getting knocked down,” he said. “It’s about getting back up after you’ve been knocked down.”

February 3, 2006