Maryum “May May” Ali

(Artist, Public Speaker, Social Worker) 

Maryum, the eldest of Muhammad Ali's nine children, was instilled with a sense of purpose from a young age. Her father often asked her, "What is your purpose?" and her consistent response was, "I want to help people." This guiding principle has shaped Maryum's multifaceted life and career.

A creative spirit, Maryum performed as a stand-up comedian for over a decade, blending humor with insightful social commentary and ethical messaging. In 1992, she released a rap album titled The Introduction under Scottie Bros. Records, using her art to address social issues. However, as the rap industry shifted toward themes of violence and female exploitation, Maryum chose to leave music, seeking a more direct way to impact young lives.

Maryum has since dedicated over 15 years to youth development and gang prevention, working as a Case Manager and Program Director for nonprofit organizations. She has supported hundreds of families in marginalized communities, offering resources and fostering opportunities. Her commitment to social change led her to serve as a Regional Manager for Los Angeles' Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction & Youth Development. For the past decade, she has also been a sought-after public speaker, delivering powerful presentations for social and human service organizations across the country.

In 2024, Maryum celebrated the 20th anniversary of her inspirational children's book, I Shook Up the World: The Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali, with a republished edition by Beyond Words Publishing. The book pays homage to her father’s legacy while inspiring new generations.

Although she cherishes her impactful career in social services, Maryum is now returning to her artistic roots. She is developing a solo performance play that weaves together autobiographical stories, exploring her experiences as a Black Muslim woman in America.

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PAST EVENTS (Keynote Speaker)

  • National Association of Social Workers -“Leading Social Change” Conference - Washington DC.

  • Illinois Department of Children and Family Services: The 28th Annual Conference African American Advisory Council Institute. “Fatherhood Is Essential: Relationship Building & Effective Mentoring to Promote Reunification of Families” - Normal, IL.

  • PeaceTech Lab - “Road to Equal Justice” - Louisville, KY.

  • Addiction Professionals of North Carolina - Spring Conference - Lake Junaluska, NC.

  • Washington Department of Health & Social Services: Children's Justice Conference - Bellevue, WA.

  • Women Working in Corrections & Juvenile Justice (WWICJJ) Conference - Louisville, KY.4C for Children Leadership and Early Childhood Conference - Cincinnati, OH.

  • 17th Annual Georgia School of Addiction Studies -“Vision Without Boundaries”- Savannah, GA.

  • Federal Communication Commission - Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Non-Violence - Washington DC.

  • YWCA of Greater Portland, OR.

  • United Way of Genesee County Fundraiser - Flint, MI. 

  • Shippensburg University - Black History Month - Shippensburg, PA.

  • Youth Policy Institute - (Training Facilitator) Los Angeles, CA.

  • The Women's March on Washington, DC.

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme - Oxnard CA.

  • One Safe Place Conference "Stop the Violence: Emerging Trends & Innovative Strategies"-Fort Worth, TX.

  • United Way of Stanislaus County: Power of the Purse Fundraiser - Modesto, CA.

  • Dallas Furniture Bank Charity Fundraiser- Dallas TX.

  • Kentucky Association of Counties Conference: Louisville, KY.

  • Brazos Valley Food Band, Inc. Fundraiser - Bryon, TX.

  • Correctional Training Facility: Soledad State Prison - Soledad, CA. 

  • American Jail Association (AJA) Conference - Louisville, KY.

  • Kennedy King College - Training Facilitator for Communication Workshop - Chicago, IL.

  • Hackensack University Medical Center - Hackensack, NJ.

  • Parkinson Alliance and Parkinson Unity Walk - New York, NY.

  • World Parkinson Congress Conference -  Portland, OR.

  • Abbvie Pharmaceuticals: Convention - Dallas, TX.

  • Adamas Pharmaceuticals: Convention - Los Angeles, CA.

  • South Coast Air Quality Management District: Martin Luther King Jr, Day of Service Forum- Los Angeles, CA.

  • Reviving the Islamic Spirit Conference (IRS) - Toronto, Canada

  • Muslim Legal Fund of America - Dallas, TX.

  • CAIR Fundraiser - Los Angeles, CA.

  • MPAC Annual Gala - Los Angeles, CA.

  • ISB's Change Makers Awards Gala - Atlanta, GA.

  • Helping Hands for Relief & Development - San Diego, CA.