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Black-Oriented Museums Are Lacking Black Donors
Scott Novak, Woods's spokesman, said the golfer declined the Ali Center's request because he committed $25 million to building the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, Calif., which will open next month. "Tiger Woods has great admiration for Muhammad Ali's career and legacy," Novak said.
Barkley, who called Ali one of his greatest heroes during a recent radio talk show, could not be reached. But in a new introduction to his book "Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man?" Barkley said he frequently gives to charities. He bought four houses in Georgia for Hurricane Katrina victims, according to the book.
  Boxing great Muhammad Ali, center, and his wife, Lonnie, join performers at the gala opening of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. The center has received little financial support from prominent black Americans. (By John Sommers Ii -- Reuters) |
Smith's representatives said the actor was never asked to contribute money. Smith was on the set in San Francisco and did not attend the gala, but submitted a taped tribute to Ali that was shown during festivities.
King could not be reached through the e-mail address provided on his Web site. King made millions of dollars promoting Ali's fights.
The five-story 93,000-square-foot Ali Center overlooking the Ohio River teems with memorabilia, artwork and exhibits. There are so many moving pictures of Ali in his prime, and Ali, who is battling Parkinson's disease, in prayer, that the center seems alive.
The center is expected to generate $800,000 a year in retail sales, $350,000 in corporate sponsorships and the renting of space for private functions, and nearly a half-million dollars in memberships. But that is not enough to cover the $3 million yearly operating cost.
Given Ali's history, Gasman, for one, finds it baffling the museum is not receiving more support from black athletes.
"Muhammad Ali is not just this wonderful athlete, he's so much more than that," she said, adding, "I don't understand why the wealthy did not give."
