Final answer:
Muhammad Ali changed his name from Cassius Clay to reflect his conversion to Islam and to symbolically reject the oppression associated with his former 'slave name,' expressing his identity aligned with the Black Power movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muhammad Ali, originally Cassius Clay, changed his name to align with his conversion to Islam and membership in the Nation of Islam (NOI), as well as to express his support for the Black Power movement. This change was symbolic of rejecting his 'slave name' given during a time of oppression and instead choosing a name that reflected his religious beliefs and the embrace of his African heritage. Ali's affiliation with the NOI and his new name was part of a larger trend during the Civil Rights era, where African American leaders like Malcolm X also adopted 'X' to signify the loss of their ancestral identities.
Ali's name change was not just personal; it became a powerful part of his public identity, differentiating him from other boxers and making a statement about race and religion in America. Ali leveraged his platform as a heavyweight boxing champion to challenge racial norms and to stand up for his convictions, even when it threatened his career and led to significant personal and legal challenges, such as when he refused draft induction into the U.S. Army on religious and ethical grounds.