Chance the Rapper Performs Stirring Muhammad Ali Tribute ‘I Was a Rock’ at Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards

Chance the Rapper took the stage at the Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards in NYC on Tuesday night (May 19) and delivered a stirring tribute performance to Muhammad Ali with “I Was a Rock.”

It was a star-studded night at Cipriani 42nd Street celebrating the foundation’s 20th anniversary and the life of the legendary photographer and civil rights activist Gordon Parks, who died in 2006.

Parks was one of the leading photojournalists narrating the Black experience in America starting in the 1940s and continued to publish until his death.

Chano was joined by Anthony Morgan’s Inspirational Choir of Harlem for a soulful performance, which included audio from a famed Ali interview in 1977 outlining his philanthropic plans for the future. He previously performed “I Was a Rock” in dedication to the boxing and social justice icon at the 2016 ESPY Awards.

“To be recognized in a space honoring Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali is humbling. They told the truth through their work, and that’s always been the goal of mine too,” Chance told Billboard in April ahead of the event. “The tribute to Ali is really about honoring that spirit and showing gratitude to his legacy.”

The 20th-anniversary awards dinner and auction brought together various dignitaries with music, social justice, art and philanthropy.

Former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick was a presenter, while Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz served on a committee of co-chairs for the evening. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was also present.

“We are so honored to be here continuously celebrating the legacy of Gordon Parks. He was a
Renaissance Man. No starts, no stops, just endless beginnings.” Alicia Keys said on stage after being presented with an original portrait of Parks.

John Legend was among the honorees for the night and Pharrell was fittingly called on as a presenter to welcome the singer to the stage. “In trying times like these, I feel a great sense of responsibility,” Legend said. “This award is a challenge for me and for us to get to work. Gordon Parks knew how to get to work, and he understood that seeing clearly was necessary for justice.”

According to a press release, the Gordon Parks Foundation raised $3 million through the awards dinner and auction to help advance the foundation’s causes.

Launched by Gordon Parks and Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr. in 2006, the Gordon Parks Foundation honors the legacy of the social justice efforts by Parks as a groundbreaking photojournalist with various educational and artistic initiatives. Fellowships and scholarships support students along with emerging artists and writers through the Gordon Parks Arts and Social Justice Fund, which was created in 2019.