On November 8, 2025, the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, held its 12th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards. The event also marked the Center’s 20th anniversary. Humana presented the event, which honored 11 humanitarians from different countries. The Center also announced new fundraising efforts, including a $1 million grant from The PwC Foundation. The awards ceremony is the Center’s largest fundraiser each year.
It features two main categories: the Seasoned Awards, for individuals with long-term humanitarian work, and the Six Core Principles Awards, for young adults under 30 who demonstrate Muhammad Ali’s values. Lonnie Ali, co-founder and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, spoke about the Center’s 20-year history. She said the Center’s mission goes beyond being a museum. She described it as a place that promotes compassion, courage, and conviction. She also expressed hope for the Center’s future work.
The anniversary event recognized past achievements and outlined plans for continued humanitarian efforts. Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, received the Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement. He was recognized for his work in philanthropy, including leading the committee that helped Detroit during its bankruptcy and guiding the Ford Foundation to issue a $1 billion social bond to support nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic…