Muhammad Ali Honored with Forever Stamp, Mirroring a Shift in Government Recognition

In a ceremony held in Louisville, Kentucky, postal officials revealed a commemorative stamp dedicated to boxing great Muhammad Ali, capturing him at the peak of his athletic prowess.

The U.S. Postal Service produced 22 million units of these stamps. The design features a 1974 Associated Press photograph of Ali with his gloves raised and his surname emblazoned prominently in black and red.

Bob Costas, a veteran broadcaster, led the event and stated, "We celebrate Muhammad Ali in his birthplace, a city that significantly influenced him as much as he influenced it."

The stamp’s launch was celebrated by Ali’s family and friends, marking its availability for purchase.

"This stamp will journey across vast distances and through numerous hands, serving as a quiet testament to a man who endeavored to showcase the strength of kindness and the heroism in serving others," expressed Lonnie Ali, his widow.

Creating this stamp symbolizes a complete turnaround for Ali, who faced governmental backlash after refusing military service during the Vietnam conflict. This decision stripped Ali of his championship title, led to a ban from boxing, and posed a threat of incarceration.

Reflecting on Ali’s resilience, former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer noted, "He faced his punishments but emerged stronger."

Ali, a three-time heavyweight champion, captivated audiences worldwide with his charismatic use of language and persona. Even beyond his boxing career, he remained in the public eye through his charitable activities and advocacy for social justice. Ali once humorously suggested his face should be on a stamp as it would be the only time he’d be 'licked.'

The release also includes a stamp sheet showcasing Ali in a pinstripe suit, acknowledging his contributions as an activist and humanitarian.

Having been born Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name upon converting to Islam. He passed away in 2016 at 74, after battling Parkinson's disease for over thirty years. His final resting place is in Louisville.

Throughout his lifetime and posthumously, Ali, also known as 'The Greatest,' was celebrated with numerous accolades like the 1960 Olympic gold medal, the United Nations Messenger of Peace title in 1998, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.