On Sunday, June 26, the 2016 BET Awards honoring some of today’s hottest Black talent, were held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Although the Prince tribute was the talk of the night, the Purple One wasn’t the only entertainment honored during last night’s broadcast.
Jamie Foxx along with Muhammad Ali’s youngest daughter, Laila Ali, took to the stage, where they payed their respects to the great boxer and athlete. “Listen, 2016 has been a tough year,” Foxx said referring to the long list of Hollywood’s recent deaths. “We lost a lot of heroes and a lot of great people. [Muhammad] is definitely more than just boxing, more than just entertainment, but a person who has shaped all of our lives and tonight his daughter is in the back.”
Soon thereafter, Ali appeared on stage to deliver a heartfelt, emotional speech in honor of her late father. “As my dad grew older, he evolved in his mind, his heart, and his spirit,” Laila said. “But one thing that never changed was his love and gratitude for all people.”
Briefly pausing to hold back tears, she continued, “These past few weeks my father’s generosity and love have been matched by a worldwide outpouring of love and reverence for him and our entire family. We are all honored and grateful for all the love, kindness, and appreciation has been shown to him in return. My father also once said if people love each other as much as they love me, it would be a better world. If he was here today, he would humbly ask you to pray not just for our family, but for all of mankind.”
On Friday, June 3, “The Greatest of All Time” died at a Phoenix-area hospital after spending several days battling respiratory complications. He was 74.
