Most of you probably heard or read about H.R.579 which was recently introduced in Congress for aMuhammad Ali Commemorative Coin to
be released in 2020. However, along with the honor and prestige of it, there has also been some controversy.
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If you hadn’t heard or read the Act, here is an excerpt from theAliCenter.orgwebsite.
In recognition of Muhammad Ali’s 75th birthday and in honor of his contributions to our nation, Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Dave Schweikert (R-AZ) have introduced H.R. 579, the Muhammad Ali Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that would direct the U.S. Treasury to mint a limited number of commemorative coins to honor the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali.
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The athlete and humanitarian, who passed away in June of last year, transcended the sport of boxing and became an ambassador of peace, equality, religious tolerance, and freedom. Throughout his career, his athletic legacy became intertwined his advocacy for justice and countless philanthropic efforts.
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“No human being embodies the word ‘champion’ like Muhammad Ali,” said Yarmuth. “He shook up the world in and out of the ring, reminding us of the power of our individual voices in doing what’s right and advocating for others in need. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to honor my dear friend and hero, Louisville’s own, and to help ensure that his life’s work of promoting peace and justice will continue for generations to come.”
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Yarmuth and Schweikert hope the commemorative coins will serve as a reminder that embodying the ideals of America, no matter one’s background or faith, will continue to be the foundation upon which our nation is built.
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“I’m proud of the chance to introduce a small commemoration for a man who is not just a great sports hero, but one of principal who fought bravely against poverty and injustice,” said Schweikert. “I can’t say it more eloquently than Former President Bush said while awarding Muhammad Ali the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he was, “an iconic and historic figure who thrilled, entertained, influenced and inspired millions. Americans will always be proud to have been in his corner and called him one of our own.”
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Revenue generated from the purchase of the coins—after the Mint recoups the full costs—would go to several institutions working to preserve and promote Ali’s legacy, including the Muhammad Ali Center, the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of Louisville, and the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center (MAPC) and Movement Disorder Clinic.
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Muhammad Ali – AKA Cassius Clay Awards and Accomplishments
Cited Source
1959 National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion
1959 National Amateur Athletic Union champion
1960 National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion
1960 National Amateur Athletic Union champion
1960 Gold medal, Rome Olympics, light-heavyweight boxing
1964-67 World Heavyweight Champion
1970 Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Award
1974 Sportsman of the Year, Sports Illustrated
1974 Fighter of the Year, Boxing Writers Association
1974-78 World Heavyweight Champion
1978-79 World Heavyweight Champion
1979 Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Texas Southern University
1979 Street named after him in Louisville, Kentucky
1985 Recognized for long, meritorious service, World Boxing Association
1987 Elected to Boxing Hall of Fame
1990 Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame
1996 Lights Olympic torch, Atlanta
1997 Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, ESPN
1997 Essence Living Legend Award
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Read more: Muhammad Ali – Awards And Accomplishments – Champion, Heavyweight, Boxing, and World – JRank Articles
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Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) being an American former heavyweight champion boxer and one of the greatest sporting figures of the 20th century. An Olympic gold medalist and the first fighter to capture the heavyweight title three times.
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However, his outspokenness on issues of race, religion, and politics made him a controversial figure during his career, and the heavyweight’s quips and taunts were as quick as his fists.
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Born Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name in 1964 after joining the Nation of Islam. Citing his religious beliefs, he refused military induction and was stripped of his heavyweight championship and banned from boxing for three years during the prime of his career.
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Later in life, Parkinson’s syndrome severely impaired Ali’s motor skills and speech, but he remained active as a humanitarian and goodwill ambassador.
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Rest in Peace Brother Ali!
As previously stated, with this great honor and recognition comes controversy from people who feel that Ali or the GOAT isn’t deserving of it.
I respect everyone’s right to their opinion, so I am going to ask for yours on this topic.
Should Muhammad Ali be featured on a U.S. Minted Commemorative Coin?
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