Today, the name "Muhammad Ali" is synonymous with greatness. But we often forget that for nearly a decade, the American media refused to print it.

The New York Times maintained an official policy to refer to Ali by his "slave name," Cassius Clay.

They believed if they denied his name, they could deny his reality.

Ali realized that begging for respect wouldn't work. He decided to beat the name into their mouths.

The climax of this war came in 1967 against Ernie Terrell. When Terrell continued to call him "Clay" in pre-fight interviews,

Ali promised punishment.

For 15 rounds, Ali refused to finish the fight. Instead, he tortured Terrell, screaming "What’s my name?" with every punch.

He wasn't just fighting a boxer. He was fighting the establishment. He proved that dignity isn't something you ask for. It is something you take.

Happy Birthday, Muhammad Ali.

The man who forced the world to say his name.