LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In 2020, Victoria Russell was selected as one of the Muhammad Ali Center's Daughters of Greatness, an annual award that celebrates women who, like Ali, are shaking up the world.
"It was an incredible experience and honor to even be selected," she said Friday. "When I look back at all the past honorees, I was floored just to be included in that."
Victoria Russell was selected as one of the Muhammad Ali Center's Daughters of Greatness in 2023. Nov. 3, 2023. (WDRB Photo)
In fact, the award motivated Russell to become a member of the Ali Center.
"I think there's a bigger role all of us have to play to continue to honor Ali's legacy," Russell said.
Marilyn Jackson, president and CEO of the Ali Center, said new members get first choice on programs coming up, a discount at the store and special invitations.
"Being a member is the best way to support the center," Jackson said.
The 10th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards will be held Saturday night in downtown Louisville. The center's largest annual fundraiser honors people who have dedicated their lives to humanitarianism and awards for young adults 30 years old or younger.
"This event started 10 years ago to honor people who were walking in Muhammad's footsteps with their humanitarian work," Jackson said.
Louisville Metro Police officer Nickolas Wilt will receive the Kentuckian Of the Year Award. Wilt was one of the first officers to respond to the Old National Bank shooting on April 10, his fourth-ever shift with LMPD. He was shot in the head and rushed to UofL Hospital for brain surgery. Wilt was in critical condition for weeks and battled pneumonia.
Jason Flom is set to receive the Muhammad Ali Lifetime Achievement Award. Flom is the founder of Lavva Records and former chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records and Virgin Records. According to a news release, Flom is an advocate for wrongfully convicted people. He's raised awareness and funds for criminal justice reform.
Marilyn Jackson, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. Nov. 3, 2023. (WDRB Photo)
Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, Rodney Peete, a former NFL quarterback, will receive the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award. They founded the HollyRod Foundation to raise awareness and provide resources to families who have loved ones suffering from autism or Parkinson's disease.
The center will also honor six young international humanitarians with the Season Awards, embodying Ali's core principles of confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. Those award winners include: Andrew Brennen, Pashtana Durrani, Anna Luisa Beserra Santos, Nidhi Pant, Leon Ford and Dr. Daniel Nour.
"Ali is our champion," Russell said Friday. "This is our city, and the center is ours, and I think we should support it."
To learn more about the Humanitarian Awards, click here.
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