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The Muhammad Ali Center is poised to launch its 20th anniversary celebration with the 12th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards to be presented on November 8.
This year’s ceremony is a testament to global humanitarian efforts, as young changemakers from Africa whose dedication embodies the enduring principles of Muhammad Ali are among the global honorees.
To mark two decades of inspiring greatness, the Humanitarian Awards will feature special performances by the Louisville Orchestra, led by music director Teddy Abrams, throughout an elevated evening.
“We’re gearing up for an exciting Humanitarian Awards celebration that not only highlights the amazing work of humanitarians from all over the globe, but also celebrates the Ali Center’s legacy as we approach our 20th anniversary,” said DeVone Holt, Muhammad Ali Center President and CEO.
“We’re so excited for our future, and we’re so pleased to elevate this experience as a taste of what’s to come.”
The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, the Center’s largest annual fundraiser, celebrates individuals in two categories:
- Seasoned Awards, for those with lifelong humanitarian dedication
- Six Core Principles Awards, for young adults 30 years of age or younger who are driving positive change aligned with Ali’s values.
“We are proud to partner with the Muhammad Ali Center to recognize these passionate changemakers from across the world,” said Jim Rechtin, Humana Chief Executive Officer.
“Humana exists to help people achieve their best health, and that purpose cannot be realized without investing in the people and organizations that create positive change in the communities where we live and work.”
Among the young humanitarians being honored for embodying Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles, Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality are three exceptional leaders whose work is profoundly impacting the African continent:
Raby Gueye (30): Dedication to Education in Senegal
Raby Gueye, born in Podor, Senegal, is being honored for her unwavering dedication to transforming
educational opportunities in her home country.
Her personal journey, which saw her move to the United States as a refugee at age eight, ignited a lifelong commitment to educational equity and justice.
Gueye is the visionary founder and Executive Director of Teach For Senegal, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational access by placing young Senegalese leaders as teachers in underserved communities.
Teach For Senegal’s innovative approach not only addresses the critical need for qualified educators but also fosters a new generation of local leaders who can drive change from within.
Her work is a powerful example of how grassroots efforts can lead to systemic improvements in education, shaping the future for countless children.
Dr. Joel Bervell (30): Bridging Medicine and Social Justice Across Continents
Born to Ghanaian parents and raised in the United States, Dr. Joel Bervell is being celebrated for his unwavering Dedication to advancing equity in global health through storytelling and science.
Widely known as the “Medical Mythbuster,” Bervell uses his digital platforms to expose racial disparities in healthcare, challenge bias in medical education, and uncover the overlooked contributions of Black
and minority communities in medicine.
He is the creator and host of The Dose podcast, produced with the Commonwealth Fund, and the animated YouTube series The Doctor Is In, both of which blend evidence-based communication with advocacy for justice and inclusion in healthcare.
A graduate of Yale University and Washington State University’s College of Medicine, Bervell also co-founded Hugs For, a nonprofit supporting youth-led service projects in African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Through his innovative work at the intersection of medicine and media, Bervell is inspiring a generation of changemakers to reimagine healthcare as a more equitable and compassionate system rooted in truth, representation, and community.
Gibson Kawago (30): Giving the Gift of Clean Energy in East Africa
Hailing from Tanzania, Gibson Kawago is the founder of WAGA Technologies and WAGA Motion, two award-winning ventures that are delivering essential clean energy storage and electric vehicle infrastructure across East Africa.
His innovative solutions not only provide reliable and affordable power to underserved populations but also champion environmental stewardship by repurposing materials and reducing carbon footprints.
Kawago’s work exemplifies how entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a deep sense of social responsibility, can create scalable solutions for a greener and more equitable future.
This year’s celebration will also include a new post-show experience featuring late-night bites, special performances, and more.
Tickets have been available to the public since October 2.. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://alicenter.org/maha/.
About the Muhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center is a 501(c)(3) that prides itself on being much more than a museum. As an athlete, a humanitarian, a global voice, and a man guided by faith, Muhammad Ali embodied a pursuit and belief in the greatness found in all people.
Founded in 2005 by Lonnie and Muhammad Ali in his hometown of Louisville, the Center is dedicated to honoring Ali and continuing work based on his core principles.
