◆ SpookStack

Like many other Negro youths in Louisville, Kentucky, Clay had evidenced some interest in the Muslims, but he had also "marched for integra- tion. *’ Clay spent considerable time with cult leaders in Miami while training | for a fight during the Fall of 1961. During 1962, with his younger brother, he attended several NOI functions in Miami and elsewhere. But little attention was paid to him by the NOI. In fact, the NOI was backing Liston and in ‘Muhammad Speaks,"of February 18, 1963, printed an article captioned "Memo to Cassius Clay.'' The article supported what it called Liston's verbal haymaker, that Clay was "the youngest, fastest thing coming up- -with his mouth, " and referred to Liston as “the best thing that has happened to boxing since Joe Louis blazed across the fistic horizon. " Three straight victories in the ring by Clay during the first half of 1963, and Clay was gaining considerable attention in the press. Suddenly he’ became important to the Muslims. Malcolm X developed a close friendship with Clay. During the rest of that year, Cassius and his brother were introduced as "visitors" at several NOI temples; and the press throughout the country described Cassius’ appearances at various public NOI functions. The interest of the press really became aroused in January, 1964, when Clay disappeared from Miami, where he had been training for his title fight, and appencs” and spoke before a New York NOI rally. These were the events that took place before Clay became champion and that led to his open affiliation with the NOI -71-