From the Archives: the George Kalinsky Collection
The Champ's Premium Shoe Polish in Neutral, circa 1980s
A small, empty tin of neutral shoe polish with a photograph of a smiling Muhammad Ali in a tuxedo. The tin is signed by Ali on the lid.
Donated by George Kalinsky in 2015.
Much like the shaving gel, The Champ's brand released tins of shoe polish in both white and neutral colors, as well as liquid wax polish in brown and white. According to the back of this polish, a portion of the proceeds from its sale would go to the United Negro College Fund. Muhammad Ali began donating to this cause in 1967 when he became the largest single Black contributor with a donation of ten-thousand dollars.
