“The Champ” punches through a wall for me at home and abroad
It resonates with me decades later that my efforts at self-determination in journalism had stalled, until the irrepressible Muhammad Ali enters my combat and overwhelms my opposition. His personal intervention helps me secure my first televised sports report in the U.S.
I directly benefit from Ali’s stated mission from the 1970s: to uplift Black people. He makes room for me (a boxing judge and coach) to join his professional entourage during a 1990 publicity tour in West Virginia. I witness the gentle care he gives to others, and I live the heart-pumping excitement from being greeted by booming waves of “Champ! Champ!” upon entering a room.
His powerful and inclusive gesture gives me unique experiences and perspectives to discuss on French TV in the wake of his passing in 2016.
“Thank you for being on (France 24's) set with us during the Muhammad Ali special. You were terrific and you literally saved the show.”
—Françoise Champey Director of English Programming, France 24 TV
This breakthrough launches me beyond anything I ever thought of as a child.
A champ when I needed him and for always, Muhammad Ali appears in Civil Rights Baby in chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15.
Nita “conveys expertise in a very clear and inspiring way…”
—Charles Baudot-Visser YNOV Campus (Nanterre, France)
Watch from 5:30 to 6:32 below or watch the full France 24 program
On the invitation of Mrs. Brigitte Macron and President Emmanuel Macron, I attend the Pantheon ceremony of Josephine Baker in 2021. I outline for France 24 TV audiences how Ms. Baker not only strategizes, but also exerts power to overcome limitations in the U.S. and France.
As a recurring guest commentator in Paris, I discuss not only American icons, but also U.S. elections, policies, media accuracy, workplace equality, women’s opportunities, and sports beyond the playing field.
“[My] continuing to strive for achievement and excellence in the broadcasting field has been directly attributable to [Nita’s] influence.”
—Amal Shah
Author, SiriusXM Radio host
Days after January 6, 2021, I break down U.S. federal laws, including 18 USC 1752, which says that going into a restricted government zone could send a violator to prison for up to 10 years. Charly Mérinos Liatou is the interviewer.
“If I were on that team (U.S. Women’s World Cup, 2019), I would go and visit the president because, as Dr. King said, we have to look for legal and nonviolent ways to move the ball down the field, in whatever discussion. A player who goes should negotiate an opportunity to have a conversation and not just be there for a photo op.” — Nita Wiggins Watch the episode on France 24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fC729vb7BQ