This is the first in a series of articles revolving around the topics that will be presented at the 17th Annual Leadership Summit scheduled for September 10-12, 2009 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.  The program titled, ‘The Strength and Spirit of Leadership in Local Government’ includes underlying themes of change, collaboration, courage and the personal challenges of serving as a leader in local government. 
--------------------------------------------------
The Strength and Spirit of Leadership in Local Government is the theme for this year’s 17th National League of Cities Annual Leadership Institute Summit in Louisville, KY, September 10-12, 2009.  You will not only enjoy an opportunity to learn in depth about leadership for your important work as a local government leader, but you will also see one of America’s most exhilarating cities. 

Thanks to the vision of Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson, the city has become the “go to” destination for business and pleasure.  It was recently named as the nation’s “Most Livable Large City” by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

As part of an underlying theme and etched in the background of the brochure you will see the face of Muhammad Ali – perhaps one of the most famous people of all time.  Yes, he was a boxer, but he was so much more. 

We take great pride in Kentucky for our many “originals” like Bluegrass music, the Kentucky Derby… even the “original 12 herbs and spices” in which Colonel Sanders fried chicken to perfection.   But few people personify the toughness, diversity and pioneering spirit of our Commonwealth better than Ali.  

Born Cassius Clay in Louisville, he become the world’s boxing heavyweight champion at a tumultuous time in American history – an era of civil rights turmoil, marches in the streets and too many violent deaths of heroes like John F. Kennedy, Robert  Kennedy and, of course, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.  Ali boxed, along with Floyd Patterson, Joe Louis, and Sonny Liston at a time when black men fighting each other was high entertainment for the masses – yet these stars were forbidden the opportunity to enter many restaurants or hotels. 

In reading King of the World by David Remnick, I was reminded of the courage shown by Muhammad Ali who was renamed following his controversial conversion to the Islamic faith.  But it was his faith, swagger and nerves of steel that outclassed even his imposing physical presence and athletic prowess.  It was his actions outside the ring that made him an iconic figure of leadership.

Beyond his charisma, Ali had a gift for having the right phrase of the moment.  When he announced in protest to the Vietnam War that, “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong.”  It was heard around the world.  What ensued was a firestorm. 

Ali lost a lot by taking a stand against the war – one he took based on religious grounds and the belief that he could not justify going to war for a government that did not recognize the civil rights of its own people.  He received a five-year prison sentence (later overturned in a unanimous Supreme Court decision) and was banned from fighting for three years during the prime of his career.  Even in those days, it must have cost him millions of dollars.

You might ask – has he any regrets?  In his words, as to his remembrance, “I’d settle for being remembered only as a great boxing champion who became a preacher and a champion of his people.  And I wouldn’t even mind if folks forgot how pretty I was.”  And he was.  Readers may not agree with his politics but we cannot quibble with his willingness to take a stand – even one that came at a great personal sacrifice.

By entering leadership through the portal of boxing, Muhammad Ali took it one step further.  He could have coasted to retirement; he could have made millions of dollars and have continued being the darling of the press, but he chose otherwise.  He made difficult decisions.  

As leaders, there is something to learn from Ali.  Many of us are conflicted.  Sometimes we have to react immediately; sometimes we ponder decisions in the wee hours and wonder what do we do, what’s best for everyone?   In an extreme way, Ali demonstrated that leadership and courage are qualities to which we can all aspire, though none of us will be tested exactly as he was.

So, come to Louisville where the Muhammad Ali Museum has just opened.  Learn more about this incredible hero as you challenge your own thinking and discover your own strengths in the shadows of this living legend.

Now more than ever, those of us entrusted to leadership need to learn lessons from our past and look boldly for new directions.   I look forward to exploring these challenges with you.

----------------------------------------------
Sylvia Lovely will serve as the theme weaver and program facilitator for the 17th Annual Leadership Summit.  She is President of the NewCities Institute, a national nonprofit organization that encourages citizens to get involved in helping their communities thrive in the global challenges of the 21st Century.  Ms. Lovely is Executive Director/CEO of the Kentucky League of Cities and she currently serves on the board of directors for the National League of Cities and has been named Chair of the Morehead State University Board of Regents.

The annual Leadership Summit is NLC’s premiere leadership development program for local officials.  Designed as a leadership retreat, the Summit provides personal leadership development that is focused on community perspectives.  For more information, contact the Leadership Training Institute at (202) 626-3170 or visit the NLC website at www.nlc.org