The Dovetail Project's Executive Director Receives 2018 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award

CHICAGO - Sept. 18, 2018 - PRLog -- Sheldon Smith, founder and Executive Director of the Dovetail Project, will have the honor of receiving the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award on Thursday, September 20th, 2018. Smith is one of 6 Core Principal Awardees that will be honored for his confidence working with young fathers between the ages of 17-24.

Based on his experience of having his father in and out of his life and the negative impact it had held, Sheldon Smith found the strength and confidence to use his experience as an example. Thus, developing a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that gives young African American fathers the skills and support they need to be better fathers and better men in their communities. The Dovetail Project educates fathers about the roles, rights and responsibilities of fatherhood, and helps them maintain an active, engaged presence in their children's lives.

"To be recognized with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian award is truly an honor. Receiving this award for exhibiting confidence through my work and knowing how Muhammad Ali exuded confidence, is beyond words," says Sheldon Smith.

For the past four years, the Ali Center pays tribute to a number of high profile "seasoned humanitarians" who are named as Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awardees. The Ali Center honors six young adults, ages 30 and under, who serves as advocates, activists, and role models in their communities that are astounding and bringing about positive change in the world. Each of these six winners are recognized for one of Muhammad Ali's Six Core Principles:

• Confidence
• Conviction
• Dedication
• Giving
• Respect
• Spirituality

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards is sponsored by Brown-Forman, Horseshoe Casino (Southern Indiana), ESPN, Tandem PR and Ashbourne Farms and River Bend Farm. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place from 7pm-9:30pm at the Omni Louisville Hotel located at 400 S. Second Street, Louisville, KY 40202.

Full details about the event can be found at https://alicenter.org/awards/media-information/.

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About The Dovetail Project

The Dovetail Project works to give young African-American fathers – ages 17 to 24 – the skills and support they need to be better fathers for their children and better men in their communities. Founded in 2009 by Sheldon Smith, The Dovetail Project has graduated more than 300 young fathers. Graduates are placed on a path for success in education and employment, and equipped to be present and consistent fathers.

About The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards were created in 2013 as a way to publicly recognize and celebrate the greatness of people from around the world.

This annual fundraising gala honors people who are making significant contributions toward securing peace, social justice, human rights, and/or social capital in their communities and on a global basis.

Each year, the Ali Center pays tribute to a number of high profile "seasoned humanitarians" who are named as Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awardees.

In addition, we honor six young adults, age 30 and under, who are serving as advocates, activists, and role models in ways that are ultimately transforming communities and bringing about positive change in the world. Each of these six winners are recognized for one of Muhammad Ali's Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.

Proceeds raised during the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards support educational initiatives, community programming, and on-site exhibitions.