This Day in History: 2017-03-28
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.
April 1963 - "First Billboard 100 Hit from Asian American Musicians" The Rocky Fellers, a Filipino American boy band, is the first Asian American musical act to have a song chart on the Billboard Hot 100. "Killer Joe" reached number 16 on the charts across the country and reached number 1 in New York City and Los Angeles. The group consisted of four Filipino brothers – Tony, Junior, Eddie and Albert Maligmat – and their father, Doroteo "Moro" Maligmat.