LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) -The Muhammad Ali Center is behind an inaugural study that examines compassion in the United States.
The 2025 Compassion Report was conducted using a new metric called the “Net Compassion Score” (NCS) and a comprehensive survey across 12 cities, including Louisville. The study reveals key cultural and behavioral trends that shape compassion in America, including spirituality, self-care, education, health care, sports, and politics. The goal of the study is to develop innovative solutions to a range of community challenges.
Lonnie Ali, Muhammad’s wife, was married to the 3-time heavyweight world champion for 30 years before he passed away in 2016. Lonnie co-founded the Muhammad Ali Center 20 years ago, honoring her late husband’s legacy and humanitarian work.
“Throughout his life, my husband Muhammad believed and demonstrated that compassion is the strongest force we have in the fight for justice,” said Lonnie Ali, Chair of the Muhammad Ali Index and Co-Founder of the Muhammad Ali Center. “The Muhammad Ali Index is a continuation of his life’s work of building a more just and compassionate world – one where everyone has the opportunity to reach their own greatness.”
The report was released just days before what would’ve been Muhammad Ali’s 83rd birthday on Jan. 17.
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“Anybody who knows Muhammad, it’s part of his legacy,” Lonnie said. “He was one of the most compassionate human beings I think got put on this Earth. As part of the Ali Center cherishing that legacy and promoting that legacy, compassion was very important. We’ve seen a decline in compassion in the United States over the last several years, so it’s important as part of his legacy to continue that and to do what Muhammad did - try to bring people together through compassion.”
The report findings show troubling trends like growing polarization and a decrease in empathy toward marginalized groups. This was specifically found to be the case for people convicted of crimes, undocumented migrants, and people in higher social classes. According to the study, 61% of Americans said they felt a decline in compassion in the last four years, and 70% expressed a desire for reduced aggressive political rhetoric.
“This is a landmark study of national and global significance. The Muhammad Ali Index provides critical data to help communities foster compassion,” said Farah Pandith, Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate and pioneer and leader in countering violent extremism. “With the right local solutions, we can address the rise in polarization and hate—an opportunity we must seize now.”
The study found that cities ranked higher in NCS perform better in fostering mental health, housing and community programs; active civic participation structures, strong communication systems; and inclusive leadership. Those cities tend to have more engaged and proud residents.
“To build a healthy sustainable society, community, to start bringing people together, to unify people with the divide and the toxic rhetoric and the polarization we’ve seen, compassion is an essential element of a healthy community,” Lonnie said.
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The 2025 Compassion Report holds up a mirror to society, challenging us to reflect on who we are and how we show up for one another,” said DeVone Holt, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “The findings are urgent and timely, and it is also encouraging — reminding us that while compassion is at risk, it’s also something we can strengthen if we choose to act with awareness.”
On Jan. 16, the Muhammad Ali Center will present the inaugural Ali Compassion Summit at the Idealist Headquarters in New York City to discuss key findings from the study. There will also be panel conversations with community leaders and policymakers on ways to adopt.
The Muhammad Ali Center invites all Americans to take a stand for empathy and unity by signing the Ali Compassion Pledge:
Sign the Ali Compassion Pledge here.
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