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- [00:00]
Lindsey Graham
There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts@intohristory.com It's.
- [00:20]
Muhammad Ali
April 28, 1967 at the Armed Forces examining an entrance station in Houston, Texas, 12 years into the Vietnam War. It's just before 8am and a number of reporters and photographers are waiting outside for the arrival of the reigning boxing heavyweight world champion, Muhammad Ali. Ali has been vocal about his opposition to the ongoing Vietnam War, publicly stating he's a conscientious objector on the grounds of his Islamic faith, but his application for conscientious objection has been declined. So today Ali is required to attend the entrance center for a formal induction into the US Army. As the taxi carrying Ali arrives, journalists swarm the car, their cameras and questions at the ready. But as the boxer steps out, he remains tight lipped until he reaches the center's entrance. Ali is not camera shy, but today he is elected to let his actions do the talking. Inside the center, Ali sails through the physical and medical exams and joins seven other men lying shoulder to shoulder. As the soon to be inductees await their final instructions, the commanding figure of Lt. Stephen Dunkley enters the room. He tells the men that once their name is called, they must step forward to be received into the US Army. Lieutenant Dunkey reads out the names of Ali's peers and all six men step forward. Then he reads Ali's name aloud, but Ali's feet do not move. The Lieutenant repeats his request, but Ali stays rooted to his spot. Undeterred, the Lieutenant asks Ali to step forward a third time, but again the boxer stays perfectly still. Ali locks eyes with the lieutenant as the officer marches over to him. His face remains impassive as Lt. Dunkley explains that should he refuse to step forward, he will be committing a criminal offense. Ali nods in understanding and Lt. Dunkley returns to his former position for a final time. The officer calls for Ali to step forward, but again Ali is completely still. Exasperated, Lt. Dunkley gives up and leads the other inductees away for training, leaving Ali to face the consequences of his defiance. Without hesitation, Ali then exits the building publicly signaling his refusal to join the Army. As he makes his way through the throng of rabid reporters, he holds his head high, satisfied with his decision no matter the cost. In 1967, Muhammad Ali is at the peak of his career, but his refusal to be inducted into the armed forces will change everything. Convicted of draft evasion and faced with a five year prison sentence, Ali has put his reputation and career on the line. But through it all, Ali will not waver in his conviction, demonstrating a dedication to his values that will turn the renowned athlete into one of the decade's most prominent anti war activists. Following his refusal to join the US army on April 28, 1967.
- [03:27]
Lindsey Graham
History Daily is sponsored by Express Pros. Managing your workforce can be exhausting, and if you're tired of a costly and lengthy hiring process, simplify and speed up your recruitment. With one connection, the experts at Express Employment Professionals reduce time to hire, cut down on interviews and lower your recruitment costs. Visit ExpressPros.com today. Express is more efficient than hiring on your own. Check out Express. Visit ExpressPros.com to see how Express Employment professionals can take care of your hiring.
- [03:57]
Unknown
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- [04:40]
Muhammad Ali
From Noizr and Airship, I'm Lindsey Graham and this is History Daily. History is made every day on this podcast, every day, we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is April 28, 1967. Muhammad Ali refuses induction into the US Army. It's June 4, 1967, in an office block on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. Inside, 12 men sit around a circular table, ready to begin a meeting well known to one another and to the world. The participants are among the nation's most prominent and well respected black athletes, except for one, Muhammad Ali. Since his decision to refuse induction into the army five weeks ago, Ali has fallen from grace. The response to his disobedience has been swift and sharp. Only hours after his exit from the Houston Induction Center, Ali was stripped of his boxing license and his title as the Heavyweight Champion of the World. The very same day he was arrested and charged with draft evasion. The public has also been harsh. Ali's decision to refuse conscription has caused outrage so strong that some have labeled him the most hated man in America. With the Vietnam War at its height, much of the nation still supports American involvement in the conflict, including some of the men sitting beside Ali today. But despite their reservations over his position, this collection of influential black figures has assembled to hear the boxer out and urge Ali to accept a new olive branch. Recently, the American government offered to drop Ali's draft evasion charges if he agreed to abandon his anti war stance, perform a series of boxing exhibitions for US Troops. Ali has already turned down the deal. But the men around the table urge him to reconsider. They worry that at the young age of 25, Ali doesn't understand the full repercussions of what he's doing. They advise him to cut his losses and take the government's deal. Many of them have already served in the military and assure him there's little to lose, promising him that his career and a lifetime of success will be waiting for him on the other side of his service. It's a lot better than facing prison time and a permanently tarnished reputation. But none of their arguments sway Ali. He already knows his decision is bad for his career, his livelihood and his image. But he assures him that his faith and his principles are worth far more to him than wealth or prestige to him. The matter goes beyond sport, fame and money. At its core, it's about faith and justice. Ali's Muslim faith restricts him from fighting in any war not sanctioned by Allah. And America's racism further fuels his aversion to joining the army. He has no interest in supporting the slaughter of seemingly innocent people abroad, especially for a country whose prejudice hurts and kills its own black population daily. Surely, Ali reasons, as black Americans themselves, the men around the table can understand this point. The men struggle to respond. Even if they have a satisfactory rebuttal, they sense it won't be of any use. The strength of Ali's resolve is clear to all of them. But more than that, his sincerity and steadfast dedication to his faith and principles has inspired them too. Though this meeting was arranged to change Ali's mind, the boxer has turned the tables. After several hours of discussion, the skepticism that filled the room at the beginning of the meeting is replaced by a strong sense of understanding and unity. The men leave the meeting unanimous in their decision to support Ali in his protest and legal case. It's a momentous change of direction. All of the men are aware of the current public opinion of Ali. And they know what supporting him may mean for their careers. They could be made pariahs. But like Ali, they no longer care. It's time for them to do what they feel is right. After the meeting, the 12 men will hold a press conference to publicly declare their support for Ali and his right to be a conscientious objector. Their stand in solidarity will capture the nation's attention and put their own names and careers on the line. In time, this display will become recognized as one of the most significant civil rights acts in sports history. But it will only come after years of struggle in which Ali will take on his most daunting foe yet. United States judicial System.
- [09:13]
Lindsey Graham
History Daily is sponsored by Indeed. Are you a business owner? I am. I run a podcast production company. And what's my number one expense? My people. But what's my number one competitive advantage?
- [09:23]
Muhammad Ali
My people.
- [09:24]
Lindsey Graham
And that makes any new hire my number one most critical business decision. It probably is for you too. So remember this when it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites. Indeed's Sponsored Jobs help you stand out and hire fast. With Sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. And you get all of this with no monthly subscriptions or long term contracts. There's no need to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed History Daily. Listeners can get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@indeed.com onthisday just go to indeed.com onthis day right now to support the show and get hiring Indeed.com OnThisDay terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need. History Daily is sponsored by Strangers in Time, the new epic novel from number one New York Times best selling author David Baldacci. In 1944 London, three complete strangers must work together to survive World War II. But will they be able to escape their own dark secrets? Kate Quinn calls Strangers in Time Oliver Twist meets the Blitz A beautiful read, and Lisa Scottellini says it's a masterpiece of a historical thriller. Strangers in Time is available in bookstores now.
- [10:49]
Muhammad Ali
Foreign It's June 20, 1967, in central Houston, just under two months since Muhammad Ali refused induction into the army and just two weeks since Ali's fellow black athletes stood in solidarity with the boxer inside a federal courthouse. Ali now sits before a judge ready to stand trial for the draft evasion that has turned the sports star into one of the nation's most reviled figures. Despite the support of his contemporaries, Ali has continued to face immense public criticism. But he remains unfazed by the backlash. For him, the matter is still one of principles. And his values have not changed. So neither will his anti war stance, even if it means fighting a losing battle. His resignation is evident in his demeanor inside the courtroom as he prepares for his case to be presented. There's an air defeat about him, as if Ali recognizes that conviction must be imminent. As the jurors enter the courtroom, this impression only deepens. Ali is not shocked to find that the jury is made up entirely of white, unsympathetic faces. He laughs to himself as a sense of certainty washes over him. It's a feeling he knows well, as it's one he experiences every time he steps into a ring. But then, usually it's victory that feels certain, not defeat. At the very least, Ali is grateful that he's not alone in today's fight. Alongside him is his attorney, Hayden Covington. He has one of the best records when it comes to defending conscientious objectors. And he hopes Muhammad Ali would become his most publicized victory to date. As proceedings get underway, Hayden opens the case by using a tactic that has proved successful when defending Jehovah's Witnesses. Hayden turns to the jury and lays out his minister defense. Since conscription began, ministers, priests and seminarians have all been exempt from the draft. Hayden argues that Ali, who is very vocal about his religious beliefs and preaches often at public events, is clearly a minister. Thus he is unable and ineligible to fight. Hayden is confident in this line of defense because it's worked for so many of his previous clients. But not today. The jury is unconvinced. After just 21 minutes of deliberation, the jury finds Ali guilty of draft evasion. And to prove that nobody is above the law, not even the heavyweight champion of the world, the judge decides to make an example of him. Handing down the maximum penalty for the offense, Ali leaves the courtroom with both a five year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. But as he leaves the courtroom facing a prison sentence, Ali maintains a calm demeanor. He feels misunderstood and that his faith has not been taken seriously. But this is the result he expected. And Ali knows this is only the first round in the bout against inequality and injustice. Over the next four years, Ali and his legal team will take on the lengthy process of appealing his conviction, allowing him to stay out of jail while the case heads to the Supreme Court for its ultimate decision. And meanwhile, for three of these four years, Ali's boxing ban will remain in effect. But in 1970, Ali is permitted to return to the ring and resume his professional career. Shortly after he faces one of his biggest fights ever against reigning heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. The match is the first time that two undefeated boxers who have held the world heavyweight title fight each other for the same title, but its significance runs even deeper than that. In contrast to Ali, Frazier supports US Involvement in Vietnam. So with each fighter serving as a symbol for two sides of American society, the match takes on a political charge. In the end, Ali loses the fight, his first ever professional loss, and the defeat shakes the boxer. He struggles to come to terms with the blemish on his record, but the hope of victory elsewhere will revive his spirit. One month after his fight with Joe Frazier, the Supreme Court will hear Ali's case. By the time it reaches the nation's highest court, public opinion on the Vietnam War will have drastically changed and the opinions Ali expressed four years prior will become widespread among the American public, leading many to re examine the boxer's stance, including those presiding over the Supreme Court.
- [15:08]
Lindsey Graham
History Daily is sponsored by a Truby Lately you may have been hearing about a serious but rare heart condition called attr Cardiac Amyloidosis, or attrcm. Because symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions, it may take time to be diagnosed, but learning more about ATTRCM and a treatment called Atruby, also called Acharamatis, could be important for you or a loved one. Atruby is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with ATTRCM to reduce death and hospitalization due to heart issues. In one study, people taking Atrube saw an impact on their health related quality of life and 50% fewer hospitalizations due to heart issues than people who didn't take Atruby, giving you more chances to do what you love with who you love. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, and about the medications you take. The most common side effects were mild and included diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you have ATTR CM, talk to your cardiologist about a Truby or visit attruby.com that's a T T R U B Y.com to learn more.
- [16:09]
Unknown
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- [17:18]
Foreign.
- [17:22]
Muhammad Ali
28Th, 1971 on the south side of Chicago, four years after Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion Inside a corner store, Ali greets the shopkeeper with a grin as he buys some groceries. The cashier smiles back and offers a word of encouragement. Ali's draft evasion case has continued to be big news since his conviction four years ago, but the narrative around it has driven drastically changed. Now many Americans are on the boxer's side and are rooting for his conviction to be overturned by the Supreme Court. It's been two months since justices heard Ali's case, and the court should be making their decision any day now. But despite his rise in popularity, Ali is still unsure whether the court will share the public's newfound compassion. But he tries not to dwell on the matter too much. He knows that regardless of the consequences that may follow, he has done the right thing and that's all that matters to him. But as Ali exits the shop, his focus is pulled right back to the case, because as soon as he starts walking down the street, he hears rushed footsteps following him. Ali turns to see the shopkeeper running toward him with tears in his eyes. Before Ali can get a word out, the cashier wraps him in a hug and informs him of the big news that he just heard over the radio. The Supreme Court has overtaken turned Ali's conviction. Their decision is unanimous, with the justices citing a procedural error that occurred in 1967 when Ali first appealed the draft board's rejection of his application to be a conscientious objector. The board failed to state their reason for their decision, therefore denying Ali due process of law. Though the Supreme Court was originally torn, the discovery of this error helped tilt the court in Ali's favorite and later it will come out that one justice in particular also pushed his peers to overturn the case. Convinced of Ali's sincerity, in his faith, and therefore in his right to be a conscientious objector. The decision will become a watershed moment in Ali's life and career, as well as the nation's civil rights movement. The boxer's tenacity and commitment to his beliefs will not be forgotten in the ring. Ali will go on to defy expectations and reclaim his heavyweight title in 1974. But after retiring from boxing seven years later, Ali will devote his time to activism and philanthropy, earning the Presidential Medal of freedom in 2005. But upon his death in 2016, Ali's greatest fight will be remembered as his battle with the US Government. His decision to endure hardship and fight for what he felt right will be regarded as his crowning achievement, a feat sparked when Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted on April April 28, 1967.
- [20:04]
Lindsey Graham
Next.
- [20:05]
Muhammad Ali
On History Daily April 29, 1992 Los.
- [20:09]
Lindsey Graham
Angeles erupts in riots after a jury acquits the police officers charged with assaulting.
- [20:14]
Muhammad Ali
Rodney King from Noiser and Airship. This is History Daily hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohammad Shahzeeb Sound design by Molly Bach Music by Lindsey Graham this episode is written and researched by Luke Lonergan, produced by Alexandra Curry Buckner Executive producers are Steven Walters for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.
- [20:47]
Unknown
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