We had the wonderful opportunity for Khaliah Ali to speak at Malaika10. She has been with us since she placed the first stone of the Malaika School in Kalebuka. Below is an excerpt from her speech at the event.
“When I watch the most incredible, resilient example of beauty, oneness, courage – Ali’s fight? They obviously never met Noella! Ali, Bomaye, Noella, Bomaye!
“My family and I were so incredibly privileged to travel with Noella. Eleven years ago, Noella was this teeny tiny, powerful woman that I could not say no to. She came to me at the time of the 30th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle, when my father fought there. No one from the family had been back since and to have been there with Noella, in the embryonic stages of this creation, is humbling beyond mention.
“Noella is tireless, I don’t think she sleeps! Every single thing that pulls this incredible organization together is right out of her own two loving hands. The one thing that Noella emphasized greatly is that she wanted me to see the beauty, the culture, the richness. To know the Congo more than what you see on the news, that there is so much pride in its people and its culture. I discovered that, but at the same time, I also discovered what a battle she was up against to do what she has done. It is vital that we support her for the next 10 years and beyond. I hope we all collectively come together and join Noella to fulfill the rest of her dream.”