Born today in 1942, Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay) met photographer Gordon Parks in the 1960s, after the renowned boxer had become an international celebrity but also a divisive figure due to his status as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. ⁠ ⁠ Gordon photographed Ali for a Life magazine feature, and authored the personal and revealing article that accompanied the images, kicking off a relationship between the two that would extend past the Life assignment.⁠ ⁠ Image: Gordon Parks, Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), 1970. Museum Purchase, International Fund for Concerned Photography, 1974 (377.1974) @gordonparksfoundation