Billy Crystal: ‘ Muhammad Ali Struck Us in the Middle of America’s Darkest Night’

EXCERPT: 

CRYSTAL: "That — that, my friends, is my history with the man that I’ve labored to come up with a way to describe the legend. He was a tremendous bolt of lightning created by mother nature out of thin air, a fantastic combination of power and beauty. We’ve seen still photographs of lightning bolts at the moment of impact, ferocious in strength and magnificent in elegance. It lights up everything around it. You can see everything clearly. Muhammad Ali struck us in the middle of America’s darkest night, in the heart of the most threatening gathering storm, toppled the mightiest of foes and intense light shone on America and we were able to see clearly injustice, inequality, poverty, pride, self-realization, courage, laughter, love, joy, religious freedom for all. Ali forced us to take a look at ourselves. This young man who thrilled us, angered us, confused and challenged us ultimately became a silent messenger of peace who taught us that life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls."