Muhammad Ali will be honored with a commemorative US postage stamp

Muhammad Ali was known for his quick wit and sharp tongue, once joking that he should be a postage stamp because “that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” Now, that joke is becoming a reality as the three-time heavyweight champion is being honored with his very own commemorative U.S. postage stamp.

Widely regarded as the most famous and influential boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali was not only a sports icon but also a cultural force who blended athletic brilliance with political conviction and showmanship. His legacy continues to live on, even after his passing in 2016 at the age of 74 after battling Parkinson’s disease for over three decades.

Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali, expressed her excitement and joy at the unveiling of the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp. She believes that having his face on a stamp is a fitting tribute to his mission of spreading compassion and connecting with people on a personal level. Each stamp features a black-and-white Associated Press photo from 1974, capturing Ali in his iconic boxing pose, as well as a photo of him in a pinstripe suit, symbolizing his activism and humanitarian work.

The First-Day-of-Issue ceremony for the stamp is set to take place in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali’s birthplace and home to the Muhammad Ali Center. The stamps are limited edition, with 22 million printed and no plans for reprints once they sell out. As Forever Stamps, they will always be valid for First-Class Mail, ensuring that Ali’s legacy endures.

The process of creating the Muhammad Ali stamp was a long one, with the USPS requiring individuals to be deceased for at least three years before appearing on a stamp. The idea for the stamp first surfaced shortly after Ali’s passing, and a public campaign helped bring it to fruition. The final design, featuring Ali in his prime, was chosen from hundreds of images, reflecting the American experience and celebrating Ali’s achievements both inside and outside the ring.

Beyond his boxing career, Muhammad Ali was a vocal advocate for civil rights, religious freedom, and peace. His refusal to be inducted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War cost him his heavyweight title but cemented his status as a global figure. In his later years, despite his health struggles, Ali continued to promote charitable causes and inspire others through his actions.

In a time of political division and uncertainty, Lonnie Ali believes that her husband’s message of kindness and compassion is more important than ever. She encourages people to follow in Ali’s footsteps and engage in acts of goodwill to make the world a better place.

The Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp serves as a lasting tribute to a man who transcended sports and left a profound impact on society. As people send letters and packages adorned with his image, they will be reminded of Ali’s enduring legacy and his commitment to making a difference in the world.