Rasheda Ali-Walsh: 7 Ways Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Is Carrying Her Father’s Legacy Forward In 2025

Rasheda Ali-Walsh, a prominent author, public speaker, and tireless advocate, continues to be a powerful voice for millions globally in 2025. Her life’s work is a direct continuation of the humanitarian and social justice legacy established by her legendary father, Muhammad Ali. While the world remembers "The Greatest" for his unparalleled boxing career, Rasheda has chosen to fight a different battle: raising awareness and promoting research for Parkinson’s disease, the neurological disorder her father battled for over three decades. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on Rasheda Ali’s life, family, and the profound impact of her advocacy work as of December 2025. Her commitment to caregiver support and stem cell research advocacy ensures that her message of hope and empathy is constantly evolving and reaching new audiences worldwide.

Rasheda Ali-Walsh: Complete Biography and Family Profile

Rasheda Ali, who is known professionally by her married name Rasheda Ali-Walsh, is one of the nine children of the late boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she shares a unique bond with her twin sister, Jamillah Ali. Her mother is Khalilah Ali, formerly Belinda Boyd, the second wife of Muhammad Ali. Rasheda's upbringing was steeped in the world of a global celebrity, yet she has carved out a distinct identity focused on compassion and public service.

• Full Name: Rasheda Ali-Walsh (née Ali)
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Parents: Muhammad Ali (Father), Khalilah Ali (Mother)
• Twin Sister: Jamillah Ali
• Siblings: Maryum Ali, Muhammad Ali Jr., Khaliah Ali, Miya Ali, Hana Ali, Laila Ali, and Asaad Amin
• Spouse: Bob Walsh (Married for over two decades)
• Children (Sons): Biaggio Ali Walsh (born 1998) and Nico Ali Walsh (born 2000)
• Known For: Author, Public Speaker, Parkinson's Disease Advocate, Media Spokesperson
• Key Publication: I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease

Rasheda's family life is central to her public identity. She and her husband, Bob Walsh, a Chicago-based restaurateur, have two sons who are actively pursuing careers in sports, continuing the family's athletic legacy. Biaggio Ali Walsh is a talented football player, while Nico Ali Walsh has followed directly in his grandfather's footsteps, establishing a promising career as a professional boxer. Their presence in the public eye often brings Rasheda’s work back into the headlines.

The Unwavering Fight: Parkinson’s Advocacy and Caregiver Support

Rasheda Ali-Walsh’s most significant contribution is her role as a global advocate for Parkinson’s disease (PD) awareness and research. This mission was born out of her personal experience caring for her father after his diagnosis in the early 1980s. She has transformed her grief and experience into a powerful platform for change.

A Child's Guide to Understanding Parkinson's Disease

A cornerstone of Rasheda's advocacy is her acclaimed children's book, *I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease*. The book was directly inspired by her own children, Biaggio and Nico, and their questions about their grandfather’s condition. The book serves a critical purpose: it provides a gentle, easy-to-understand resource for families to discuss the complex symptoms of PD with young children. By addressing common questions in a safe and creative environment, Rasheda helps normalize the experience and foster empathy among the youngest family members. This focus on the intergenerational impact of the disease is a unique and highly praised aspect of her work.

Championing Stem Cell Research and Patient-Focused Care

Beyond her role as an author, Rasheda is a sought-after public speaker who travels internationally to promote awareness. Her talks often focus on the need for more comprehensive, patient-focused care models for those living with the neurological disorder. She is also a vocal proponent of stem cell research, viewing it as a critical frontier in the fight to find a cure for Parkinson's. Her advocacy efforts are far-reaching. In recent years, she has continued to collaborate with major organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation and has been a keynote speaker at health conferences and events like the Reviving the Islamic Spirit events in Toronto. Her message is one of inclusion, empathy, and the necessity of strong caregiver advocacy, highlighting the immense emotional and physical toll the disease takes on family members. She passionately champions the cause of the unsung heroes—the caregivers—who provide daily support to Parkinson's patients.

Rasheda Ali in the Media and Current Events (2024-2025)

Rasheda Ali-Walsh remains a relevant and influential figure in the media landscape, often providing a unique perspective on her father's legacy and the world of boxing. Her recent public appearances and statements reflect her ongoing commitment to social commentary and honoring her family's name.

The Ken Burns Documentary and Personal Reflections

One of the most significant recent projects featuring Rasheda was the acclaimed Ken Burns’ documentary, *Muhammad Ali*. Rasheda was one of the main voices featured, offering a deeply personal and candid look at the boxing legend, the civil rights leader, and the man she called "Superman". Her contribution provided crucial insight into the private life of Muhammad Ali, including the challenges and complexities of his family relationships, ensuring his full, nuanced story was told.

Weighing in on the Modern Boxing Landscape

In 2024 and 2025, Rasheda Ali-Walsh made headlines by commenting on the controversial crossover boxing matches, particularly the highly publicized Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul event. When asked about the spectacle, Rasheda stated that her father would have been "excited" by the amount of money the fighters were making, acknowledging the commercial evolution of the sport. This commentary positioned her as a respected voice bridging the gap between the golden age of boxing and its current, celebrity-driven iteration.

Global Outreach and Humanitarian Efforts

Rasheda's advocacy is not limited to the United States. Her international outreach includes significant humanitarian visits. For instance, her visit to the Hadassah University Hospital in Israel showcased her commitment to global health and collaboration in the fight against Parkinson's disease, demonstrating a continued focus on worldwide research and patient care. Her travels and speaking engagements, including events at the University of Louisville, keep her at the forefront of the Parkinson's community. Rasheda Ali-Walsh has successfully transitioned from being the daughter of a legend to a powerful legacy carrier in her own right. Her work as an author and speaker, centered on the deeply personal experience of Parkinson's disease, ensures that the spirit of compassion and fight that defined Muhammad Ali lives on through a new generation. Her sons, Biaggio and Nico Ali Walsh, carry the family name into their respective athletic fields, but it is Rasheda's tireless work in social justice and caregiver advocacy that truly embodies the humanitarian heart of "The Greatest."