By Sherlene Shanklin

I have been covering the Clay and Ali family for the majority of my 35-year media career because I’m also a Louisville, KY native. So, when I started getting unconfirmed calls I needed to wait and make sure they were indeed correct.

As I’m heading to bed, I get the sad news that Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of Muhammad Ali has passed away.

Rahaman was born on July 18,1943 as Rudolph Arnett Clay to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay. Rahaman followed in his brother’s boxing footsteps with a professional boxing career from 1964 to 1972.

I have a quote from Devone Holt, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center that I want to share. Holt says “You can’t tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman,” He adds, “He was one of the most constant sources of support for Muhammad during this career and their relationship was a true example of what it means to be ‘my brother’s keeper.’

I will be adding additional stories about the life and legacy of Rahaman Ali in the coming days.

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

Photos: “Courtesy of Muhammad Ali Center Digital Museum”