Give that nod to Carl Lewis, right, who won nine gold medals over four Olympics, including the long jump four games in a row. Unlike Phelps, Lewis won his medals doing two very different things, using his speed to win the 100 and 200 meters and his leaping ability for the long jump.

He likely would have had even more medals but the United States boycotted the 1980 games in Moscow where Lewis had qualified in the long jump and as a member of the 400 relay team.

“I don’t want to appear to be putting Phelps down,” said David Wallechinsky, the Olympic historian who has literally written the book on the games. “But I need a little more longevity to name him the best Olympian ever.” (Full Article)

Malcolm X gets Cassius Clay’s attention in a Miami diner
(Photograph © Bob Gomel)

“Cassius Clay was born in Louisville,” says Ferdie Pacheco, “Muhammad Ali was born in Miami.” Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami explores the critical role that Miami played in the evolution of one of the most significant cultural figures of our time.

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The Howard Bennett Playground is located on 135th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard and Fifth Avenue across the street from the AroundHarlem.com office.

According to the New York City Parks Department, Howard Bennett (1911-1981) is the man responsible for getting January 15th designated as a national day in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

Following the death of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968, Howard Bennett was inspired to pursue establishing a national holiday commemorating the life and memory of Rev. King, and he devoted the last 13 years of his life toward that effort.

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