LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Americans have lost compassion for each other over the last few years, according to the Muhammad Ali Center's recent study.
Friday would have marked Ali's 83rd birthday, and his widow, Lonnie Ali, said Thursday that the center's 2025 Compassion Report is a crucial part of his legacy.
"We have the release of the compassion report and the index, and we have promising peace in the middle east with Gaza and Israel," Lonnie Ali said. "What a birthday present for Muhammad."
Muhammad Ali made a living off knocking people down, but compassion and standing against hate were principles he lived by.
"Compassion was essential to the man," Lonnie Ali said. "Part of his DNA."
The Muhammad Ali Center spent the past five years studying six "Compassion Sweet Spots": spirituality, self-care, health care, education, sports and politics. A metric called the "Net Compassion Score" was developed as part of The 2025 Compassion Report.
"This right here is a beacon of hope," Lonnie Ali said about the report. "It's a snapshot in time."
DeVone Holt, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, said the report is the most impactful thing the center has ever done. He also said it is "just the beginning."
It covers 12 cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York City, Phoenix, San Antonio and Seattle.
"How can you know where you're going if you don't know where you are?" Lonnie Ali asked during the Ali Compassion Summit 2025.
Researchers found 61% of people surveyed feel compassion has declined in the last four years. They're also more likely to admit to having compassion for family and friends than themselves.
The report also states 70% of Americans have a desire for reduced aggressive political rhetoric. Respondents also said there has been a decrease in empathy toward marginalized groups as only one in three Americans feel compassion for all groups of people.
However, it's not too late to turn things around.
"This work has the ability to literally make the world a better place," Holt said.
Forty-three percent of those surveyed said they're optimistic about the future of compassion across the nation.
"Show that compassion," Lonnie Ali said. "Flex that muscle."
According to the study, there are four "must haves" for compassionate cities, beginning with fundamental stability:
- 68% mental health services
- 65% affordable housing
- 62% child care access
- 62% houseless outreach
"If you want to go fast, go alone," Holt said. "If you want to go far, go together. We want this work to go far. we want this work to be impactful."
If you feel called to honor Ali's legacy and take action, you can sign the compassion pledge.
"This is all about passing this on to the next generation who are going to be the torchbearers," Lonnie Ali said.
Related Stories:
- 8 years after his death, Muhammad Ali's legacy celebrated in Louisville and beyond
- New exhibit at Muhammad Ali Center focuses on how Louisville said farewell to 'The Greatest'
- Muhammad Ali still attracting thousands to hometown
- Some cheer and others tear during Muhammad Ali procession
- Louisville says goodbye to "The Champ" at memorial service
- Lonnie Ali says 'Thank You' to Louisville
- Muhammad Ali Center prepares for 10th-annual humanitarian awards as it seeks more members
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
