Featured Exhibit

Since his professional debut in 1960, Muhammad Ali became publicly known as an athlete who was never afraid to speak his mind, earning him the nickname "Louisville Lip." His public conversion to the Nation of Islam and adoption of the name Muhammad Ali in 1964 marked a new chapter in using his platform to promote social justice. Additionally, it showed the embracement of his African identity. Yet, the broader American public began to view him with distrust, misunderstanding, and often disdain. 

Ali’s polarity only increased after the U.S. Department of Justice and Kentucky Appeals Board denied his status of Conscientious Objection on religious grounds in 1967 for service in the Vietnam War. After being charged, Ali's World Heavyweight Championship title was revoked by the New York State Athletic Boxing Commission in all fifty states despite his professional record of 29-0. Ali was also forced to give over his passport and was sentenced to five years in prison. Ali managed to avoid a jail sentence while appealing his case.

Though many disagreed with Ali's stance, his conviction and stance resonated with many others. Even beyond the United States, Ali's image as a civil rights figure and social activist transcended the borders of the United States around the globe, especially in Africa. From his first trip to Ghana, Nigeria, and Egypt in 1964, just months after he became Heavyweight Champion, he became symbolic of protest, especially against colonialism. Yet, rather than being viewed as separate from everyday citizens, Ali's community engagement and humanitarianism also established his reputation as "the people's champion."

In October 1970, Muhammad Ali was allowed to return to the ring for his first fight since 1967 against Jerry Quarry in Atlanta, Georgia. Though people remained skeptical of Ali's ability to box at the same level as before, public interest grew around his return as his reputation as an entertainer, philanthropist, and social justice advocate had only been solidified. 

U.S. Court of Appeals Appendix Booklet, Filed April 20, 1967