Troy E. Wright - Executive Director, Washington Avenue BID
Honored & Grateful
I am truly honored and humbled to be nominated for the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Professional of the Year Award. The team at AOHT continues to do extraordinary work transforming lives and inspiring future leaders across Miami-Dade County and throughout America.
This nomination is not mine alone — it belongs equally to the executive board, the property owners, and every business along Washington Avenue who has supported our shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant community.
While there is still much to accomplish, we’ve made incredible strides in revitalizing Washington Avenue and enhancing beautiful Miami Beach. Our partnership with the City of Miami Beach and the dedicated members of our community continues to push us in the right direction.
Managing a mile and a half of roadway, over 100 property owners, and 300 businesses is no small task — yet I firmly believe that Washington Avenue is the heartbeat of Miami Beach, and its best days are still ahead.
In just the past few years, we’ve welcomed world-class hotels such as the Moxy, The Goodtime, and Esmé, along with the restoration of The Angler’s Hotel. We’ve celebrated the openings of Queen, M2, Vendôme, and many other remarkable venues that continue to elevate our destination.
We’ve also brought new energy to the Avenue — from vibrant median lighting and stunning murals of icons like Muhammad Ali, Jackie Gleason, Prince, Versace, and Jayne Mansfield, to the historic temporary Muhammad Ali Exhibit that continues to inspire.
Exciting new businesses have joined our community, including Raising Cane’s, Bonchon Korean Chicken, Denny’s, Taco Bell, and many more. Soon we’ll welcome Willie’s Chicken Shack from New Orleans, Popeyes, and additional hotels, dining, and retail that will further enrich the Avenue.
Washington Avenue may never return to the “glory days” of massive clubs — and it doesn’t need to. We’re building something even greater: a destination defined by balance, quality, innovation, and inspiration — where people can live, work, and thrive in the heart of Miami Beach.
The AOHT Gala will be held on November 13, alongside many incredible nominees, all of whom are deeply deserving of this recognition.
I’m truly grateful to everyone who continues to believe in our mission and in the bright future of Washington Avenue - The Heartbeat of Miami Beach.
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Legacy in Action: Muhammad Ali's
Grandson Visits the Iconic Exhibit - Historic Museum Closes
Nico Ali Walsh, pro boxer and grandson of the late great Muhammad Ali
Nico Ali Walsh, a rising star in the world of professional boxing, carries the legacy of his grandfather, the late great Muhammad Ali. As the son of Rasheda Ali, Nico has inherited not only the physical attributes but also the dedication and charisma that made his grandfather a global icon. Born into a family with an unparalleled boxing heritage, Nico has embraced his lineage with a commitment to excellence.
Nico's journey in boxing began at a young age, fueled by the inspiring stories and monumental achievements of Muhammad Ali. His hard work and natural talent have propelled him through the amateur ranks, earning him respect and recognition within the boxing community. In 2021, Nico transitioned to the professional arena, quickly establishing himself as a formidable contender known for his impressive performances and knockout power.
Outside the ring, Nico Ali Walsh honors his family's legacy with humility and pride. He is dedicated to upholding the values that Muhammad Ali championed: respect, integrity, and perseverance. As Nico continues to advance in his professional career, he aims to forge his own path in boxing history, all while perpetuating the enduring spirit of his legendary grandfather.
Nico began his boxing journey at a young age, inspired by the stories and achievements of Muhammad Ali. His dedication to the sport has seen him rise through the amateur ranks, showcasing his talent and earning respect in the boxing community. Turning professional in 2021, Nico has quickly made a name for himself with his impressive performances and knockout power.
Beyond the ring, Nico carries the weight of his family's legacy with humility and pride. He is committed to honoring his grandfather's memory by not only excelling in boxing but also by embodying the values Muhammad Ali stood for: respect, integrity, and perseverance. As Nico's career continues to progress, he aims to carve out his own place in boxing history, all while keeping the spirit of Muhammad Ali alive.
We were honored to have our Muhammad Ali Exhibit visited by Muhammad Alis very own Daughter Rasheda Ali and her son (professional boxer )Nico Ali Walsh. Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, is making his own mark in the world of professional boxing. Born into a family with a rich boxing heritage, Nico has embraced his legacy with determination and skill. He is the son of Rasheda Ali, one of Muhammad Ali's daughters, and has inherited not only the physical prowess but also the charisma and work ethic of his iconic grandfather.
Discover more on the Professional Boxer via instagram @nicoaliwalsh
Muhammad Ali Exhibit at 555 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, Florida
Get your tickets here.
The exhibit features a rich collection of memorabilia, including championship belts, fight posters, rare photographs, and personal artifacts that chronicle Ali’s legendary battles and victories. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations provide deeper insights into his humanitarian efforts, his stand on social justice, and his enduring impact on sports and culture.
Whether you're a boxing enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to be inspired by the story of an extraordinary individual, the Muhammad Ali Exhibit offers a profound and engaging experience. Located in the vibrant heart of Miami Beach, the exhibit is a must-visit destination that celebrates the indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements of "The Greatest."
MUHAMMAD ALI
60TH ANNIVERSARY
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MUHAMMAD ALI
The Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) is set to host a landmark tribute event honoring the unparalleled legacy of Muhammad Ali, commemorating the 60th anniversary of his historic victory over Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964.
Experience the life-changing history and timeline of Muhammad Ali as we celebrate the pivotal moments that catapulted Ali into becoming a global icon.
Why Washington Ave?
Washington Avenue holds a unique place in the history of Muhammad Ali's illustrious career. Home to the renowned 5th Street Gym, where Ali honed his skills, it was also the location where he secured his first heavyweight title at 17th and Washington.
Muhammad Ali (born January 17, 1942, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.—died June 3, 2016, Scottsdale, Arizona) was an American professional boxer and social activist. Ali was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions; he successfully defended this title 19 times.
Ali's journey from his Miami childhood to his legendary bouts like the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila is commemorated in the Historical Timeline and Tribute located at 555 Washington Avenue, situated in the vicinity of the renowned Angelo Dundee 5th Street Gym. Countless individuals harbor personal anecdotes of encounters with Ali, moments that provoked profound thought or catalyzed life-altering changes.
These cherished memories can be revisited and honored at the Historical Timeline and Tribute, serving as a poignant reminder of Ali's enduring impact on our lives and perspectives.
When Clay was 12 years old, he took up boxingunder the tutelage of Louisville policeman Joe Martin. After advancing through the amateur ranks, he won a gold medal in the 175-pound division at the 1960 Olympic Games in Romeand began a professional career under the guidance of the Louisville Sponsoring Group, a syndicate composed of 11 wealthy white men.
In his early bouts as a professional, Clay was more highly regarded for his charm and personality than for his ring skills. He sought to raise public interest in his fights by reading childlike poetry and spouting self-descriptive phrases such as “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He told the world that he was “the Greatest,” but the hard realities of boxing seemed to indicate otherwise. Clay infuriated devotees of the sport as much as he impressed them. He held his hands unconventionally low, backed away from punches rather than bobbing and weaving out of danger, and appeared to lack true knockout power. The opponents he was besting were a mixture of veterans who were long past their prime and fighters who had never been more than mediocre. Thus, purists cringed when Clay predicted the round in which he intended to knock out an opponent, and they grimaced when he did so and bragged about each new conquest.
On February 25, 1964, Clay challenged Sonny Liston for the heavyweight championship of the world. Liston was widely regarded as the most intimidating, powerful fighter of his era. Clay was a decided underdog. But in one of the most stunning upsets in sports history, Liston retired to his corner after six rounds, and Clay became the new champion. Two days later Clay shocked the boxing establishment again by announcing that he had accepted the teachings of the Nation of Islam. On March 6, 1964, he took the name Muhammad Ali, which was given to him by his spiritual mentor, Elijah Muhammad.
For the next three years, Ali dominated boxing as thoroughly and magnificently as any fighter ever had. In a May 25, 1965, rematch against Liston, he emerged with a first-round knockout victory. Triumphs over Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, Brian London, and Karl Mildenberger followed. On November 14, 1966, Ali fought Cleveland Williams. Over the course of three rounds, Ali landed more than 100 punches, scored four knockdowns, and was hit a total of three times. Ali’s triumph over Williams was succeeded by victories over Ernie Terrell and Zora Folley.
Then, on April 28, 1967, citing his religious beliefs, Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army at the height of the war in Vietnam. This refusal followed a blunt statement voiced by Ali 14 months earlier: “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Vietcong.” Many Americans vehemently condemned Ali’s stand, though one of Ali’s earliest defenders was famed sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, who had covered and praised the fighter since the beginning of his career as Cassius Clay. Ali’s position was especially controversial because it came at a time when most people in the United States still supported the war in Southeast Asia. Moreover, although exemptions from military service on religious grounds were available to qualifying conscientious objectors who were opposed to war in any form, Ali was not eligible for such an exemption, because he acknowledged that he would be willing to participate in an Islamic holy war.
Ali was stripped of his championship and precluded from fighting by every state athletic commission in the United States for three and a half years. In addition, he was criminally indicted and, on June 20, 1967, convicted of refusing induction into the U.S. armed forces and sentenced to five years in prison. Although he remained free on bail, four years passed before his conviction was unanimously overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court on a narrow procedural ground.
Meanwhile, as the 1960s grew more tumultuous, Ali’s impact upon American society was growing, and he became a lightning rod for dissent. Ali’s message of Black pride and Black resistance to white domination was on the cutting edge of the civil rights movement. Having refused induction into the U.S. Army, he also stood for the proposition that “unless you have a very good reason to kill, war is wrong.” As Black activist Julian Bond later observed, “When a figure as heroic and beloved as Muhammad Ali stood up and said, ‘No, I won’t go,’ it reverberated through the whole society.”
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