'Papa Rock': Rahaman Ali remembered for his legacy of loyalty and love

"A part of me is really at peace right now because Rock, really, he missed his brother, and he knew where he was going," said Rahaman's nephew, Sean Ali-Waddell.

As much as Muhammad Ali stood tall in the boxing world as a champion, his brother Rahaman was steadfastly alongside him, often providing the motivation behind Muhammad’s fights.

“He [Muhammad] would say, ‘Tell me about how bad it was for my people during slavery, during Jim Crow, and segregation,’” Ali-Waddell said. “He would go in the ring with that power in his fist because he always said, ‘I’m fighting for more than just this fight. I’m fighting for a position so I can go back and do something good for my people.’”

The bond between Rahaman and Muhammad was unbreakable. The two brothers were as thick as thieves. Where one went, the other would follow. From journeying across the world together to meeting influential figures like Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, and even presidents, Rahaman’s life was a testament to loyalty and unity.

Despite being in the shadow of one of history's greatest athletes, Rahaman’s humility never wavered.

“He was so humble. He always undermined how big of a giant he was himself. And I always hyped him up,” said Ali-Waddell. Rahaman, however, found his calling not in fame but in being a loyal supporter to his brother.

“He would say, ‘My brother’s win is my win.’ He had the most beautiful, pure spirit of what it means to be a supporter,” Ali-Waddell said.

Rahaman, affectionately called Papa Rock, left a mark far beyond the world of boxing. For those who loved him, he was much more than Muhammad Ali’s brother.

“He was the one in the family who gave me the name Ali. I was born Sean Waddell,” said Ali-Waddell.

The loss of Rahaman leaves a significant gap in the hearts of his family, but they hold tight to the lessons he gave them.

“That was my first time ever seeing somebody that I love go slowly before me. But I’m reminded. I’m reminded to be strong. And I’m reminded to walk tall with the lessons that he gave me — to love, to live on purpose, to stand for truth, and no matter how big or small it seems to others, to answer God’s assignment that He has for you,” said Ali-Waddell.

For the family, Rahaman’s legacy of unwavering love and compassion is a guiding light, and they find peace knowing that he and Muhammad are together once again.