Cleveland, OH

The Next 400: Ohio historical marker unveiled at Cleveland Browns Stadium for ‘Muhammad Ali Summit’

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2023

The Next 400: Ohio historical marker unveiled at Cleveland Browns Stadium for ‘Muhammad Ali Summit’

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – On Sunday, June 4, 1967 in Cleveland, Ohio there was a gathering of some of the nation’s top athletes and a politician.

And it was captured in a photo.

The press meeting, now called the Ali Summit. In attendance were Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, John
Wooten, Curtis McClinton, Sidney Williams, Bobby Mitchell, Jim Shorter, Willie Davis, Walter Beach III,
Carl Stokes, Lorenzo Ashley, Bill Russell and Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). It was held Sunday, June 4, 1967 in Cleveland, Ohio.(Western Reserve Historical Society)

Filmmaker and Sportswriter, Branson Wright said the meeting was a seminal moment, one of the reasons why he keeps the photo hanging in his home.

On June 4, 1967, 12 Black men convened in Cleveland, Ohio to support Muhammad Ali's decision... — On June 4, 1967, 12 Black men convened in Cleveland, Ohio to support Muhammad Ali’s decision not to enter the military draft for the Vietnam War. It became famously known as “The Cleveland Summit.”(WOIO-TV)

“This is such an iconic photo, as you see the great Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Lew Alcindor Kareem Abdul Jabbar,” he said. “Carl Stokes, who wasn’t the mayor at the time, but later that year, he was elected as mayor and John Wooten, former Browns Player.”

Many say the meeting, called “The Cleveland Summit,” was a defining moment that changed the trajectory of how athletes handled the intersection of sports, race, religion, politics and patriotism in the United States of America forever.

Wright has written extensively about it over the years.

“In that year 1967, Martin Luther King denounced the Vietnam War for the first time and he did that in his speech. Then a few months later, Muhammad Ali was to be inducted into the armed forces and he refused to step forward. So when he refused to step forward, Jim Brown called John Wooten who was the president of the Black Economic Union and said: call the guys, we need to get together in Cleveland and to talk with Ali and see where he stands,” said Wright.

Former Browns Player John Wooten organized the meeting and said some of the men planned to convince Ali to accept his call to the military, but they changed their mind when they listened to Ali speak.

“The champ came in and he never varied from what he had to say. I am an ordained minister of the Black Islam. I’m a Black minister. I’m a conscientious objector and I don’t want to be in any organization that kills people. And everybody had their say that day and that evening when it came time to vote, they talked to him about special service but he never wavered, one single second. And at the end of the night, we said, we’ll support you, we’ll stand with you,” said Wooten.

Ali told the world his decision in a press conference the next day with all of the men surrounding him.

He faced backlash and consequences. Two weeks later, an all-white jury found Ali guilty of draft evasion. He was sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000, his passport was confiscated, his titles were stripped and he was banned from boxing for three years. Ali was released on bail pending an appeal.

In 1971, the Supreme Court overturned the decision.

Ali stood firm and decades later would be revered and applauded by many for keeping his faith.

Many believe “The Cleveland Summit” was the most important civil rights act in sports history, laying the foundation for future athletes. Now 56 years later at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the defining moment will be set in stone with an Ohio historical marker.

This is the 6th marker placed on Cleveland’s Civil Rights Trail.

Wright says, this is a unique way to honor the significance of “Cleveland’s Ali Summit.”

“Now you’re looking at years later, you see quite a few athletes that are more socially conscious, in particular, Lebron James. I’m encouraged at what these athletes are doing now. Not only the Black athlete, there’s some white athletes also that are becoming more socially conscious because, you know, we are all American. And that’s what those men that day with Muhammad Ali want to emphasize. We’re Americans and we want our rights just like any American is supposed to have,” said Wright.

“What usually happens when you look through history, something happens and then it wakes you up. And then it gets you to move. So I’m encouraged and glad, and just hope this energy stays,” said Wright.

Cleveland Restoration Society will reveal the next Ohio historical marker at Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church on November 2nd, 2023, to honor the church’s important role in Cleveland’s Civil Rights movement.

The Next 400 series is an ongoing effort to combat racism in our community.

If you have a story idea that you’d like for us to cover, send us an email to The Next 400 at W-O-I-O-dot-com.

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Cleveland, OH

Northern Ohio Weather Alert: Rain x Snow Mix to Impact Cleveland Roads Tonight

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Press Room

Northern Ohio Weather Alert: Rain x Snow Mix to Impact Cleveland Roads Tonight

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Cleveland, OH – Northeast Ohio residents should prepare for slick road conditions tonight as a system brings rain and wet snow to the region. The mix of precipitation is expected to begin after 9 p.m., with 1 to 2 inches of wet snow likely in areas east of Cleveland. Rain and sleet will dominate elsewhere, making evening travel hazardous.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the chance of precipitation is 90% overnight, with lows around 34 degrees. Winds will remain south at 10 to 14 mph, adding to potential challenges for commuters. The snow will taper off by Tuesday morning, giving way to cloudy skies and a high of 39 degrees.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution, particularly along I-90 and Route 2, where visibility may be reduced, and untreated roads could become icy. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and allow extra travel time.

Looking ahead, Christmas Day will bring a slight chance of rain in the afternoon with a high near 40. Temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-40s by Friday, providing a welcome break from winter weather. However, another rain system could move in by the weekend, keeping conditions damp.

Stay informed by checking local forecasts and signing up for weather alerts to ensure a safe holiday season.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS!

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Cleveland, OH

Amerks Hang on to Secure 3-2 Win in Cleveland

Published

9 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Press Room

Amerks Hang on to Secure 3-2 Win in Cleveland

December 22, 2024 – American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release

(Cleveland, OH) – Zachary Metsa scored the game-winning-goal moments after Cleveland’s teddy bear toss tally, while Devon Levi and Rochester’s defense stood tall to secure a 3-2 win over the North Division rival Monsters Sunday afternoon at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The win is Rochester’s fifth consecutive victory on the road, along with its sixth win over the past seven games. The Amerks improved to 16-9-3-0, giving them 37 points on the season and tying them with Cleveland for second in the North Division as the AHL starts its annual holiday break.

FIRST PERIOD

The Amerks jumped on the attack early with several scoring chances before breaking through under five minutes into the game. Brett Murray and Viktor Neuchev exchanged possession with the puck right in front of the net. Neuchev took a shot from the right side that was kicked free by Cleveland’s Zach Sawchenko. The bouncing puck was scooped up by Murray, who knocked it through multiple bodies and into the back of the goal for his team-leading 13th goal of the season.

For the first time, Josh Dunne scored against his former team. Dunne, who centered a hard-working line with Brendan Warren and Graham Slaggert, circled the zone with his linemates as Rochester maintained pressure throughout the shift. It culminated at the 10:11 mark of the first, when Warren slid a puck across to Metsa, who took a shot from the right point that Dunne tipped through traffic, eluding Sawchenko and doubling Rochester’s lead with Dunne’s fifth goal of the season.

SECOND PERIOD

Rochester dominated in shots with a 21-6 difference in the middle period, but Stanislav Svozil broke through first for Cleveland, taking a shot from the right wing with traffic taking the eyes away from Levi, making it 2-1 with 6:22 to play in the period. The goal served as the teddy bear toss goal for Cleveland, forcing the game into delay while thousands of stuffed animals were collected and donated.

After the festivities ended, the Amerks jumped right back into the action, scoring 35 seconds later with Metsa blasting a one-timer by Sawchenko. Metsa’s shot from the right point was unintentionally tipped by Cleveland defenseman Corson Ceulemans, surprising Sawchenko and putting the Amerks back up by a pair of goals, heading into the third period with a 3-1 advantage.

THIRD PERIOD

Cleveland notched the lone third-period goal in the dying seconds of the game when Daemon Hunt managed to solve Levi with 7.5 seconds remaining and the net pulled for the Monsters to have a 6-on-5 advantage. Nikita Novikov took a matching roughing penalty with Cleveland’s Owen Sillinger with 2:56 to play. The penalty was the lone infraction called against the Amerks as the red, white, and blue never allowed Cleveland a power play, marking the first time this season Rochester did not have to kill a penalty.

STARS AND STRIPES

With 23 saves, Levi picked up his ninth win of the season and his eighth in the last nine starts. The 22-year-old ranks eighth across the AHL 2.14 goals-against-average … Murray’s 13th goal of the season is his sixth in the last five games and 11th in the last 20 … The sixth-year pro is tied for the eighth-most goals in the AHL … Rochester extended its point streak in Cleveland to six games, going 5-0-1-0 in their last half dozen visits to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

UP NEXT

Rochester enters the AHL’s annual holiday break, with the team taking off Dec. 23-26. The Amerks return to play on Friday, Dec. 27 to begin a home-and-home weekend against the Utica Comets (6-14-1-2). The weekend begins at Blue Cross Arena with puck-drop slated for 7:05 p.m. Friday night and will be carried live on The Sports Leader 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester as well as AHLTV on FloHockey.

Goal Scorers

CLE: S. Svozil (3), D. Hunt (1)

ROC: B. Murray (13), J. Dunne (5), Z. Metsa (2-GWG),

Goaltenders

CLE: Z. Sawchenko – 30/33 (L)

ROC: D. Levi – 23/25 (W)

Shots

CLE: 25

ROC: 33

Special Teams

CLE: PP (0/0) | PK (3/3)

ROC: PP (0/3) | PK (0/0)

Three Stars:

1. ROC – Z. Metsa

2. ROC – J. Dunne

3. CLE – S. Svozil

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board…

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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Cleveland, OH

Donald W. Fenner

Published

17 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Press Room

Donald W. Fenner

OBITUARY

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald W. Fenner, age 90, of Mentor (formerly of Willowick), who died December 17, 2024, at home. Don was born in Cleveland, OH on August 13, 1934, to John and Emily (nee Maly) Fenner. He was a graduate of Cleveland South High School. Don was truly the best of us. A kind, generous and compassionate soul who left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He married the love of his life Margaret Ann (nee Fallon) in Sallisaw, Oklahoma on July 12, 1958, before he began his U.S. Army service in Korea. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2023. She preceded him in death on September 25, 2023.One of 10 children, Don, was honorably discharged in 1960 and then entered a 30-plus-year career as a salesperson and manager at Sears Roebuck Co. retiring in 1991. He had a second career as a property handyman where he took pride in his work at Parkshore Apartments, where he dedicated himself to enhancing apartment living. At home, his workshop in the garage became his haven where he spent countless hours crafting cemetery crosses, birdhouses, toy barns, gates, and more. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, and he saved everything “just in case” with a craftsman’s foresight. His resourcefulness and ingenuity were unmatched. His family was his greatest joy and deepest pride. A devoted father and grandfather, he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, always putting their happiness and well-being first. His love knew no bounds, and his presence brought comfort, strength, and warmth to all who were lucky enough to call him family. Loved by all, Don had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. His laughter, wisdom, and kind heart will be profoundly missed but forever remembered. Don is survived by his cherished sons Donald (Robyn Francis) of Cleveland; and Jeff (Cindy) of Mentor; grandsons Christopher Fenner of Columbus; Ryan (Mary) Fenner of Hilliard; Michael Fenner of Willoughby and Brendan Fenner of New York City; sister Joan (nee Fenner) Morawski; brother-in-law Clement Nesnadny; and many nieces and nephews. He is also remembered fondly by his extended family and friends who were touched by his warmth and infectious spirit. Calling hours will be held Friday, December 27 from 3-7 p.m. at Brickman Bros. Funeral Home, 37433 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St. Willowick, OH 44095. Internment is at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Cleveland or St. Jude’s Research Hospital. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bring us smiles and laughter in the years to come.

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