This Day in History: 2017-03-29
March 6, 1964 – “Muhammad Ali Announces His Conversion to Islam” Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, held a press conference to announce his conversion to Islam. Ali had recently become the youngest boxer to win the heavyweight championship from another boxer, Sonny Liston. His joining the Nation of Islam led to Ali becoming a pivotal civil rights leader. He would go on to become one of the most prominent sports figures of the 20th century. During the time of his conversion, he was mentored both by Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X.
1959 - “Asian American Elected to U.S. Senate for First Time
” Hiram Fong, who was one of Hawaii's most prominent and successful businessmen at the time, was elected to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. He became the first Asian American elected to the legislative body. He was also the first Asian American to seek the Republican party's nomination for resident of the United States. Fong was the first in a long line of Asian American elected officials to represent Hawaii, including Daniel Inouye, Daniel Akaka and Mazie Hirono.