Curzon Goldsmiths to host Muhammad Ali tribute and charity fundraiser

On Thursday 14 July, Goldsmiths, University of London, Curzon Cinema and Sony Pictures celebrate the life and career of boxing legend Muhammad Ali with a fundraising film night for Parkinson’s UK.

Taking place in Curzon Goldsmiths – our public cinema on campus – the evening kicks off with a short introductory talk about the sporting and cultural icon’s considerable impact on the civil rights movement, black rights, equality and society.

A screening of Oscar-winning documentary When We Were Kings, and an audience Q&A session with a panel of experts will follow the introduction.

On October 30, 1974, perhaps the most famous heavyweight championship boxing match of all time took place in Kinshasa, Zaire: the "Rumble in the Jungle" between champion George Foreman and challenger Muhammad Ali.

In historical footage and interviews, When We Were Kings explores the relationship between African-Americans and the African continent during the Black Power era in terms of both popular culture and international politics, including the brutality of then-dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

Chaired by Goldsmiths’ Professor Les Back (Department of Sociology) – whose research interests include race and racism, multiculturalism, sport sociology and cultural politics – the night’s discussion panel are:

• Professor Josh Cohen (Department of English and Comparative Literature) whose research interests include Norman Mailer, author of the acclaimed book The Fight
• Professor Ben Carrington, Sociologist, Leeds Beckett University, expert on race, gender, culture and sports studies
• Dr Beckie Port, Parkinson's UK, editor of Progress science magazine
• Spencer Fearon, founder of award-winning Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions, Sky Sports boxing presenter, former professional boxer
  

Ticket sales proceeds will be donated to Parkinson’s UK, the support and research charity helping to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.

Tickets are priced from £6.00. Book via curzongoldsmiths.com