Curzon Goldsmiths to host Muhammad Ali tribute and charity fundraiser

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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