Commissioner Watson Gains Commission Approval for ‘Muhammad Ali Way’
Published on November 02, 2021
During last week’s Miami City Commission Meeting, District 5 Commissioner Jeffrey Watson received unanimous support from his Commission colleagues for a resolution co-designating a stretch of Northwest 53rd street in Miami’s Liberty City as “Muhammad Ali Way”. A world-renowned boxer and champion, Ali spent time living in Liberty City, as well as in Overtown, two historic Miami neighborhoods located in Commission District 5.
“He was the greatest,” said Commissioner Watson of Ali. “It's befitting of us to honor him, considering the time he spent beginning his professional career as a champion in Miami.”
The newly named Muhammad Ali Way runs along Northwest 53rd Street from Northwest 5th Avenue to Northwest 7th Avenue.
Commissioner Watson also unveiled a bronze sculpture of Ali by artist Basil Watson at his City Hall office in October. Students from CARE Elementary School in Wynwood joined the Commissioner for the unveiling of "THE GREATEST - Muhammad Ali", which is currently on public display for City Hall visitors to view until January. Basil Watson, renowned as Jamaica's greatest sculptor, created the tribute to Ali as he "challenges the World to stand up and be accounted for."