In a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest icons in sports and culture, the USPS is set to Honor Muhammad Ali by issuing a Special Commemorative Stamp called the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp. This is the first time the renowned boxer has appeared on a US postage stamp, making his own playful joke a reality. Muhammad Ali jokingly said that he should be a postage stamp because “that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” Now, decades after his death, his larger-than-life presence will eternally grace mail and packages, reminding the world of his brilliance in the ring and kindness outside of it.
The excitement is evident particularly among those closest to him. “As sort of the Guardian of his legacy, I’m thrilled. I’m excited. I’m ecstatic,” Lonnie Ali, his wife of nearly 30 years, shared with The Associated Press. “Because every time people look at that stamp, they will think about him. And he will be in the forefront of their consciousness. And that thrills me.”
A Fighter in Ring and Compassionate in Life
Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016 at the age of 74 after a three-decade battle with Parkinson’s disease, was more than just “The Greatest” in boxing. He was a three-time heavyweight champion, an Olympic gold medalist in 1960, a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. However, for Lonnie Ali, having his image on this special stamp has a significant importance since it highlights his lifelong commitment to kindness and human connection.
“He did it one person at a time,” she explained. “And that’s such a lovely way to connect with people, to send them a letter and to use this stamp to reinforce the messaging in that life of connection.” This Forever Stamp means its value for First-Class Mail will never expire, something Lonnie calls an “ultimate” tribute. “This is going to be a Forever Stamp from the post office,” she said. “It’s just one of those things that will be part of his legacy, and it will be one of the shining stars of his legacy, getting this stamp.”
Special Commemorative Stamp: The Design and Unveiling
The stamp shows an intense black-and-white Associated Press shot from 1974, which captures Ali at his peak gloves up, eyes fixed on the camera, oozing confidence. Each sheet of 20 stamps displays a photo of Ali in a crisp pinstripe suit, a tribute to his work as an activist and humanitarian.The United States Postal Service has printed 22 million of these stamps, and after they’re gone, they’re not coming back, making them a popular item among collectors and fans. The actual first-day-of-issue ceremony will take place on Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali’s hometown and home of the inspirational Muhammad Ali Center.
The idea of USPS to honor Muhammad Ali came about shortly after his death nearly a decade ago. Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS director of stamp services, remarked that the procedure is time-consuming. The agency typically requires honorees to have died at least three years earlier (with exceptions for presidents). A grassroots #GetTheChampAStamp effort led by Ali’s friend helped gain broad support.“We are really excited that the stars were able to align that allowed us to bring the stamp to fruition,” Bobb-Semple said. Art director Antonio Alcalá reviewed hundreds of images before selecting the final ones. “Postage stamps are miniature works of art designed to reflect the American experience, highlight heroes, history, milestones, achievements and natural wonders of America,” he explained. “The Muhammad Ali stamps are a great example of that.”
A Candid Voice on War, Civil Rights, and Religion
Ali’s narrative extends far beyond sports. Born Cassius Clay Jr., he converted to Islam in the 1960s, changed his identity, and bravely spoke out against racism, religion, and the Vietnam War. In 1967, he refused induction into the Army citing religious beliefs and opposition to the war, losing his title and facing a three-year boxing ban. Convicted of draft evasion, he appealed to the Supreme Court, which overturned the conviction in 1971.Later, as Parkinson’s disease weakened him physically, Ali became a global humanitarian, campaigning for peace, understanding, and compassion.
Ali’s Message in Today’s World
In an era of deep divisions, Lonnie Ali believes her husband would stay true to his core: spreading kindness one person at a time. “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,” she said.
The USPS to honor Muhammad Ali with this Special Commemorative Stamp is more than just postage; it is an enduring memory of a man who float like a butterfly, stung like a bee, and touched hearts throughout the world with unfailing compassion. As letters transport his picture throughout the globe, Muhammad Ali’s spirit continues to inspire connection, courage, and generosity in a world that needs it the most.
