Muhammad Ali to be Honored with Commemorative U.S. Postage Stamp
Muhammad Ali, widely regarded as the most famous and influential boxer of all time, is being honored with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp. The three-time heavyweight champion’s legacy extends far beyond the boxing ring, as he was a cultural force who fused athletic brilliance with political conviction and showmanship. As his wife, Lonnie Ali, noted, “As sort of the guardian of his legacy, I’m thrilled. I’m excited. I’m ecstatic… Because people, every time they look at that stamp, they will remember him. And he will be in the forefront of their consciousness.”
Ali’s impact on the world of boxing and beyond is undeniable. He was a fighter in the ring and compassionate in life, earning numerous awards, including an Olympic gold medal in 1960, the United Nations Messenger of Peace award in 1998, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Having his face on a stamp, Lonnie Ali said, has a particular significance because it’s a chance to highlight his mission of spreading compassion and his ability to connect with people.
The Stamp Design and Unveiling
The Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp features a black-and-white Associated Press photo from 1974 of Ali in his famous boxing pose. Each sheet of 20 stamps also includes a photo of Ali posing in a pinstripe suit, recognizing his work as an activist and humanitarian. The stamps are expected to generate significant interest from collectors and non-collectors alike, with 22 million printed. Once they sell out, they won’t be reprinted, according to U.S. Postal Service officials.
A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp is planned for Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, the birthplace of the famed boxer and home to the Muhammad Ali Center, which showcases his life and legacy. The ceremony will provide an opportunity for fans to purchase the stamps and celebrate Ali’s enduring legacy.
A Life of Activism and Humanitarianism
Beyond his achievements in the boxing ring, Ali was a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. Born Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name after converting to Islam in the 1960s and spoke openly about race, religion, and war. In 1967, he refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. This stance cost Ali his heavyweight championship title and barred him from boxing for more than three years.
Later in life, Ali emerged as a global humanitarian, using his fame to promote peace, religious understanding, and charitable causes. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Ali continued to inspire and educate people around the world. As Lonnie Ali noted, “We have to mobilize Muhammad’s life and sort of engage in the same kinds of acts of kindness and compassion that he did every day… That approach is especially important now, in a time of political division and strife.”
A Lasting Legacy
The commemorative postage stamp is a testament to Ali’s enduring impact on American culture and society. As Lisa Bobb-Semple, the USPS director of stamp services, said, “Postage stamps are miniature works of art designed to reflect the American experience, highlight heroes, history, milestones, achievements, and natural wonders of America… The Muhammad Ali stamps are a great example of that.” With the release of the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp, his legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations, reminding them of the power of compassion, activism, and determination.
