03.27.26

Rothko Chapel and Muhammad Ali Center Sign Landmark MOU to Advance Compassionate Leadership Nationwide

HOUSTON, TX / LOUISVILLE, KY (March 27, 2026) – The Rothko Chapel, located in Houston, Texas, and the Muhammad Ali Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, signed a memorandum of understanding to further advance humanitarian leadership, civic trust and intergenerational education focused on compassion in a polarized, fractured world.

The Ali Center and the Rothko Chapel will partner to advance compassion as an organizing principle for impact, drawing on the great legacies of Muhammad Ali and Mark Rothko. Through this partnership, the two organizations will host a series of dialogues and collaborative programming across the United States, working with partners and like-minded organizations to advance moral leadership on some of the most vital issues facing our nation today.

“This partnership with the Rothko Chapel is an honor and a privilege. Together, we will build on Muhammad’s legacy – bringing people together and advancing compassion at a moment the world needs it most,” said Muhammad Ali Center Co-Founder, President & CEO, Lonnie Ali.

“Our missions are aligned in providing meaningful convening space, bringing people together in contemplation and moral action, alongside the legacies of historic civil rights icons.” said Rothko Chapel President, Imam Abdullah Antepli.

Forthcoming public engagements will be announced in line with the Rothko Chapel and Ali Center’s next programmatic seasons.

About the Rothko Chapel

The Rothko Chapel serves as a reflective, sacred space and presents programming that promotes spirituality, creativity, dialogue and action leading to more equitable, empowered and engaged communities in Houston and beyond. Founded by Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an interfaith, nonsectarian sanctuary, and invites visitors from around the world to experience the power and sanctity of Mark Rothko’s monumental paintings alongside Barnett Newman’s Broken Obelisk sculpture dedicated to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Chapel is open for daily visitation in Houston, Texas, Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-6pm. For more information, please visit https://rothkochapel.org.

About the Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is a multicultural museum and educational center dedicated to the life, boxing career, and humanitarian legacy of Muhammad Ali. Founded in 2005 by Muhammad Ali and Lonnie Ali, it features interactive exhibits based on Ali’s six Core Principles—Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality—to inspire personal growth and social change. For more information, please visit https://alicenter.org/.

Media Contact:
Rothko Chapel
[email protected]
713.660.1403

Dustin Vogt
Muhammad Ali Center
[email protected]
502.992.5330

03.18.26

Ali Center partners with University of New Mexico for virtual programming reflecting on Muhammad Ali’s legal legacy

ALBUQUERQUE, NM / LOUISVILLE, KY (March 18, 2026) – The Muhammad Ali Center is announcing a new educational online program that will be presented alongside the University of New Mexico, honoring Muhammad Ali’s legacy as part of the 10^th anniversary of his passing.

The program, entitled “Outside the Ropes: What College Students Can Learn from Studying Muhammad Ali,” will offer a legal and social reflection from university students on Ali’s legacy and the United States Supreme Court case, “Clay v. United States (1971),” Ali’s appeal of his conviction after objecting to the Vietnam draft due to his religious beliefs.

This two-hour educational program will be presented virtually on March 30, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mountain Time) and will be free to attend via registration.

Since opening in 2005, the Ali Center has hosted millions of Ali fans, historians, and curious visitors from all over the world. Located in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, the Ali Center works to advance Ali’s legacy through education, storytelling, and social impact initiatives that promote compassion, respect and human dignity.

For this new public education program, the Ali Center is partnering with the University of New Mexico’s political science department. This program features a speaker panel consisting of four high-achieving UNM students, who during their political science and/or pre-law undergraduate studies, specifically studied, analyzed and wrote about Muhammad Ali’s legal and social impact on our society.

The four UNM student speakers featured in this program are Alyson Campbell (Class of 2027, major in  Political Science/Economics ),  Will Martin (Class of 2025, major in political science and criminology and now currently attending UNM Law), Karina Padilla (Class of 2027, major in political science/philosophy), and Violet Webb (Class of 2026, major in strategic communication and political science).

The Ali-Center-UNM collaborative project was originally created and developed by former New Jersey Judge Lawrence Jones. Jones is presently the pre-law advisor and Visiting Lecturer at UNM, where he teaches Constitutional Law and other law-related subjects. Jones had submitted the students’ collegiate work on Ali to the Ali Center for review, resulting in the birth of the program by the Ali Center and its educational collaboration with the University of New Mexico.

Garret McCorkle, the Ali Center’s Senior Manager of Education and Programs, said, “It is truly incredible how impactful Muhammad Ali’s legacy has remained. This is just one of the many ways we hope to engage a new generation in Muhammad Ali’s life and legacy. I hope students all over the world can learn from Muhammad Ali’s commitment to service and humanitarianism.”

Jones reflected, “It is a true honor to bridge together University of New Mexico and the Ali Center in producing this special national educational program collaboration, on the 10^th anniversary year of Muhammad Ali’s passing.  The University of New Mexico is extremely proud of our four student panelists, whose hard work and energetic drive as young adults and members of a new generation   have led them onto this national stage to publicly share their thoughts and perspectives on one of the most iconic social figures in American history. All four students are future leaders, and their presentation may possibly influence other Universities, colleges, and fellow students throughout the nation to further consider the value of studying on campus the life and social journey of Muhammad Ali.”

In 1960, under his birth name of “Cassius Clay,” Ali won a gold medal representing the United States as a boxer in the Rome Olympics.  In 1964, as a 22-year-old undefeated challenger, Ali won the Heavyweight Championship of the World with a shocking upset victory over defending champion Sonny Liston.  Ali was known for his swiftness in the ring as well as his bold nature and sense of humor, making him one of the most memorable and famous athletes in the world.

Soon after winning his first heavyweight belt, Ali announced his conversion to Islam and received the new name of Muhammad Ali from the Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. When Ali was drafted by the United States Government for the Vietnam War, Ali famously refused induction, stating “No, I will not go 10,000 miles from home to help murder and kill another poor people simply to continue the domination of white slave masters.”

The United States charged and convicted Ali of draft evasion, and Ali was stripped of his heavyweight title and boxing license. Ali used this time away from the ring continuing to speak out against the draft and advocating for civil rights and rights for underserved communities.

As Ali persevered in his battle to overturn the conviction, public opinion gradually started turning in Ali’s favor and against both the draft and the Vietnam War itself.  Ultimately, after four years, the United States Supreme Court unanimously reversed Ali’s 1967 conviction in the matter of Clay v. United States (1971).  Additionally, Ali regained his boxing license in 1970 and was permitted to begin boxing professionally again. Meanwhile, in 1973 the United States Government ended the draft, and in 1975 the United States withdrew its troops from Vietnam.

To attend the free virtual program, register at alicenter.org/outsidetheropes.

Media Contact:

Jami Nunez
Chair, University of New Mexico Dept. of Political Science
720.939.7885

Dustin Vogt
Senior Manager of Communications and Development, Muhammad Ali Center
[email protected]
502.992.5330

02.24.26

Ali Center debuts 2026 Daughters of Greatness season honoring Marita Willis

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 24, 2026) – The Muhammad Ali Center announces the 2026 season debut of its Daughters of Greatness program by honoring Marita Willis, President of Community Engagement with Community Ventures, on Friday, March 27.

The special presentation takes place at the Ali Center beginning at 9 a.m.

Through the Ali Center’s Daughters of Greatness program, women are honored as changemakers in fields of social philanthropy, activism and justice. Daughters of Greatness honorees embody Muhammad Ali’s core values and inspire others to work toward a more just and compassionate world.

“We’re delighted for our Daughters of Greatness program to return, honoring women whose courage and philanthropy drive change within the Louisville area and beyond,” Erin Herbert, Senior Vice President of Operations with the Muhammad Ali Center said. “Marita Willis’ dedication to expanding opportunities and advancing inclusivity in her work highlights the belief in the greatness of people and the communities they live within.”

A proud Louisville native and longtime Jeffersontown resident, Willis embodies the spirit of service, courage, and purpose. Guided by faith, fueled by conviction, and anchored in respect for people and community, Willis has dedicated her life to breaking down barriers, building trust, and creating pathways for others to thrive.

Willis’ journey began humbly at the Bank of Louisville as a teller, where she learned the power of listening, dignity, and access. Through confidence in her calling and unwavering dedication to community impact, she rose into executive leadership, ultimately serving as Vice President of Community Development at PNC Bank. There, she helped revitalize low- to moderate-income neighborhoods by expanding financial education, increasing access to capital, and championing inclusive engagement.

Known for her ability to unite cross-sector partners and lead with authenticity, Willis has earned deep respect as one of the Midwest’s most trusted community development leaders. As President of eHome America, she helped thousands of families achieve the dream of first-time homeownership. Her leadership roles as Philanthropy Officer at the American Red Cross and CEO of Hope Collaborative further reflect her lifelong commitment to giving back and lifting others forward.

Today, as President of Community Engagement at Community Ventures, Willis continues to lead with bold vision and humility, expanding opportunities for minority-owned small businesses and advancing inclusive economic development across the region.

Individual tickets are now on sale for the March 27 program and can be purchased at alicenter.org. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast, with programming beginning at 9 a.m.

Corporate sponsorships with the Muhammad Ali Center, which include a table for each program in the Daughters of Greatness series, are also available. For more information, contact Ashley Parrott, Director of Development with the Muhammad Ali Center, at [email protected].

Additional honorees for the 2026 Daughters of Greatness season will be announced at a later date.

More information on the Ali Center’s Daughters of Greatness program can be found at https://alicenter.org/daughters-of-greatness/.

Media Contact:
Dustin Vogt
Muhammad Ali Center
[email protected]
502.992.5330

02.05.26

MEDIA ADVISORY

Muhammad Ali’s Legacy Enters a New Chapter as Compassion Goes Global

As the U.S. honors Muhammad Ali with a Forever Stamp, the Muhammad Ali Index expands nationally and globally, with Sharjah named as its first international city.

Louisville, KY / Washington, DC / Sharjah, UAE (February 5, 2026) — As the United States honors Muhammad Ali with a Forever Stamp in celebration of what would have been his 84th birthday, the Muhammad Ali Center today announced a major national and international expansion of the Muhammad Ali Index, naming Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, as its first global city partner.

The Muhammad Ali Index is a research-and-action platform designed to understand, measure, and strengthen compassion in everyday life, positioning compassion at the center of Muhammad Ali’s legacy and a growing global force for change.

The international expansion will formally launch February 4, 2026, marking the start of a multi-year partnership in Sharjah with the American University of Sharjah. The launch will take place in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of AUS.

Together, these moments send a powerful message: Muhammad Ali’s compassion is not only remembered – it is alive, measurable, and going global.

Originally launched in 2025 as a 12-city U.S. pilot, the Muhammad Ali Index combines original research, pioneering AI tools, local insight, and its proprietary Net Compassion Score to assess how compassion is experienced on the ground, how people treat one another, how trust is built, and how communities come together across differences.

In 2026, the Index will expand to 20 U.S. cities, while Sharjah becomes the first international city partner, marking the beginning of the Index’s global growth. Additional global cities will be announced in the coming months.

This expansion coincides with another milestone honoring Ali’s legacy. The United States Postal Service announced the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp, released on January 15 during Ali’s birthday week (January 17). The stamp commemorates a life defined not only by athletic greatness, but by moral courage; from Ali’s stand on conscience to his lifelong commitment to service, faith, and human dignity, and the belief that how we treat one another matters.

The expansion of the Index comes at a moment of deep social challenge. According to the Muhammad Ali Index’s 2025 Compassion Report, 61 percent of people believe compassion is declining, yet nearly half remain hopeful it can be rebuilt.

Lonnie Ali, CEO and Co-Founder of the Muhammad Ali Center, said:

“Muhammad believed that how we treat one another matters-especially when it’s hard. Compassion wasn’t something he spoke about in theory; it was how he lived, how he made choices, and how he showed up for others. That is why Sharjah is such a meaningful launch pad for the international expansion of the Muhammad Ali Index. Sharjah’s commitment to education, culture, and civic wellbeing reflects the values Muhammad stood for. Through the Muhammad Ali Index, we’re carrying his legacy forward in a way that helps people live compassion – not just admire it – in their daily lives.”

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour said:

“Sharjah has long invested in culture, education and community life as foundations for progress. This partnership positions Sharjah as the first international city to contribute to the Muhammad Ali Index and it signals a clear intent to approach civic wellbeing with the same seriousness we apply to economic and social development. Through AUS, we will help generate globally comparable evidence that can guide leaders, educators and institutions toward stronger trust, inclusion and social cohesion.”

Simon Cohen, Chief of Compassion at the Muhammad Ali Center, said:

“Ali showed the world that greatness isn’t about who we knock down, but who we lift up. What the research now shows us is that compassion isn’t fixed – it’s a skill, a muscle we can grow. That means that even in a time of deep division, there is real hope.”

Sharjah will become the first city in the world to produce its own Ali Compassion Report, contributing local insight to a growing global body of compassion research and establishing a blueprint for cities worldwide.

“Sharjah’s role in the Muhammad Ali Index reflects a clear ambition: to treat compassion as a civic strength worth understanding through rigorous research and advancing through purposeful action,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. “Through our partnership with the Muhammad Ali Center, AUS will support a dedicated compassion report for Sharjah grounded in careful analysis and informed by global benchmarking. This work will translate Sharjah’s values and lived experience into credible insight that can strengthen leadership, education and community wellbeing here and contribute meaningfully to global learning.”

The Muhammad Ali Index launched in 2025 with an inaugural 12-city pilot, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas–Fort Worth, Denver, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York City, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Seattle.

Building on that foundation, the Index is expanding to eight additional U.S. cities:

• Houston
• Philadelphia
• Charlotte
• Columbus
• Indianapolis
• San Francisco
• Boston
• Washington, DC

Together, these cities form a growing national network committed to strengthening dignity, social trust, and human connection at a time of deep division.

As part of this global moment, the Muhammad Ali Center is inviting the public to sign the Ali Compassion Pledge at https://aliindex.org/get-involved/pledge/. A simple commitment to act with empathy, dignity, and courage in everyday life.

Together, these milestones signal a defining shift: Muhammad Ali is not only remembered as “The Greatest,” but as a global symbol of compassion in action.

About the Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural and educational institution in Louisville, Kentucky, inspired by the values of its co-founder Muhammad Ali. Founded in 2005, the Center advances Ali’s legacy through education, storytelling, and social impact initiatives that promote compassion, respect, and human dignity worldwide.
www.alicenter.org.

About the Muhammad Ali Index

The Muhammad Ali Index is a global research and action platform measuring compassion at scale. By combining human insight, AI-enabled analysis, and city-level data, the Index delivers actionable recommendations to strengthen compassion in communities, institutions, and leadership worldwide.
www.aliindex.org

Contact:
Danielle Marie Owens
RMG
[email protected]

01.23.2026

Muhammad Ali Center Appoints Chief of Compassion to Lead Global Integration of Ali’s Legacy

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 23, 2026) — The Muhammad Ali Center has appointed Simon Cohen as its Chief of Compassion, a new leadership role focused on integrating compassion across the Center’s work and advancing its global impact.

In this role, Cohen will steward compassion as a unifying principle across the Center’s research, education, partnerships, and global engagement, working closely alongside Farah Pandith, the Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate and the Center’s senior leadership team. He will also continue to lead the Muhammad Ali Index, the Center’s flagship research initiative measuring compassion across cities and communities.

The appointment reflects the Center’s long-held belief that compassion lies at the heart of Muhammad Ali’s legacy – not only as a personal value, but as a force for leadership, social connection, and peacebuilding in a complex and divided world.

That commitment is also reflected in the Center’s decision to appoint Farah Pandith as the Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate in 2020. Widely recognized for her pioneering leadership in strengthening social cohesion and countering violent extremism, Pandith founded the Muhammad Ali Index as an innovative tool to embed compassion at the community level – grounded in data, lived experience, and local action.

Speaking at the recent Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp ceremony, Lonnie Ali, Co-Founder and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, reflected on the enduring responsibility of carrying Muhammad’s values forward.

“Muhammad spent his life showing us that true greatness is not measured by who we knock down, but by who we lift up,” said Ali. “His greatest legacy was compassion – how he showed up for people. He showed us that compassion is not weakness. It is courage. It is seeing another person’s pain and refusing to look away.

“The greatest tribute we can offer Muhammad is not to admire him. It is to follow his example. To make our own mark – our own stamp on the world. Because the greatest legacy any of us can leave is not fame. It is not victory. It is compassion.”

As Chief of Compassion, Cohen will focus on embedding compassion across the Center’s programs and partnerships, supporting coherence between its domestic and international work, and helping translate Ali’s moral leadership into practical frameworks that can be activated at scale. The role is intentionally cross-Center and externally facing, reflecting the growing global interest in compassion as a foundation for leadership, trust, and cooperation.

Cohen has worked closely with the Muhammad Ali Center for several years through his leadership of the Muhammad Ali Index, which began as a U.S. pilot and is now expanding nationally and internationally. The Index provides a research-based lens on how compassion is experienced and expressed in everyday life, offering insights for cities, institutions, and leaders seeking to strengthen social cohesion. Readers can learn more about the Index team and its work here.

“Ali showed us that there is nothing more important in life than how you make people feel,” said Cohen. “In divisive times, it’s easy to lose hope and ask, ‘How can we change the world?’ Well, when we practice compassion – for ourselves and each other – we rediscover our agency and set in motion a chain reaction that really can change the world.”

The appointment comes at a significant moment for the Muhammad Ali Center, as it prepares to announce the next phase of its national and international compassion work and deepen partnerships with academic, corporate, civic, and philanthropic institutions around the world. It also builds on the Center’s ongoing collaboration with the Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate, whose work exemplifies Ali’s commitment to peace, dignity, and human connection.

As the Center looks toward 2026 and beyond, the creation of the Chief of Compassion role underscores its commitment to carrying Muhammad Ali’s legacy forward – not only by honoring his past, but by applying his values to the challenges of the present and the promise of the future.

01.15.26

USPS Honors Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali With Forever Stamps

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 15, 2026) — The U.S. Postal Service honored boxing great and humanitarian Muhammad Ali with two stamps today. A dedication ceremony for the stamps was held in his hometown of Louisville, KY.

“Muhammad Ali not only revolutionized boxing, he reshaped sports, fought for his beliefs, and became a symbol of courage, integrity and love” said Ronald A. Stroman, a member of the Postal Service Board of Governors and dedicating official for the stamps. “Beyond sports, his life was marked by extraordinary humanitarianism. As a global goodwill ambassador, he dedicated himself to service. He promoted peace and understanding across racial, religious and national lines. As we dedicate these stamps, we remember Muhammad as a great boxer and a man who dared to be bold and used his fame to improve humanity.”

Joining Stroman for the ceremony were Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, the co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center; Jacqueline Coleman, lieutenant governor of Kentucky; Craig Greenberg, mayor of Louisville; Greg Fischer, former mayor of Louisville; Gerry Bradley, president of the University of Louisville; John Ramsey and Peter Villegas, trustees of the Muhammad Ali Center; actor Jaalen Best; writer and producer Ben Watkins; and photographer Neil Leifer, whose 1965 boxing photo of Ali standing over a knocked-down Sonny Liston was called one of the greatest sports photos of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated magazine.

Bob Costas, award-winning broadcaster and author, was master of ceremonies.

Video tributes from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) were played during the ceremony.

Known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion. In his life, he challenged the best fighters in the world — and the world itself. At a time when African Americans fought to have a voice, he spoke loud and clear about his beliefs, defying expectations and empowering people around the world.

By the end of his boxing career, Ali had become an inescapable cultural icon, arguably the most recognized man in the world. Outside the ring, he earned two spoken word Grammy nominations and starred on Broadway, TV, and in movies.

In 1990, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Ali made a dramatic surprise appearance at the opening ceremonies as he lit the Olympic caldron, reestablishing his status as a worldwide hero.

Ali’s influence extended far beyond the world of sports. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents — supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations messenger of peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. That same year, Ali and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.

“We are deeply honored the Postal Service is commemorating Muhammad with an official Forever stamp. This historic recognition celebrates not only his extraordinary achievements, but the values that defined his life of courage, compassion, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity and respect,” said Lonnie Ali. “From Louisville to communities across the nation and around the world, Muhammad’s legacy continues to inspire people to stand up for what is right and to lead with purpose. This stamp serves as a lasting reminder that his greatest victories were not only in the ring, but in his lifelong dedication to humanity, justice, and compassion for all.”

The first global U.S. athlete of the television age, Ali set the mold for generations that followed. His activism and bravery continue to inspire athletes to speak out on social issues. His influence is felt in hip-hop, politics, and the American lexicon. In reaction to his death, then-President Barack Obama said, “Muhammad Ali shook up the world. And the world is better for it. We are all better for it.”

Ali’s life was defined not only by his victories but by his conviction, generosity and enduring belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people everywhere, and his legacy lives on as “The Greatest.”

The Postal Service printed 22 million Muhammad Ali stamps. Customers can order them on usps.com or buy them at their local Post Office.

The Muhammad Ali stamps are issued in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #MuhammadAliStamps.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp- inspired products can be found at stampsforever.com.

Media Contact:

USPS (National)
David Coleman
202.425.1476
[email protected]

USPS (Kentucky)
Susan Wright
502.416.2119
[email protected]

Muhammad Ali Center
Dustin Vogt
502.992.5330
[email protected]

12.15.25

MEDIA ADVISORY: USPS Honors Muhammad Ali with Commemorative Stamp

WASHINGTON, DC (December 15, 2025)

What: The U.S. Postal Service will honor Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” with two stamps. Ali once said, “I should be a postage stamp, because that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, KY, Ali was known across the globe as a champion in and beyond the boxing ring.

The first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #MuhammadAliStamps.

Who: The Honorable Ronald A. Stroman, member of the USPS Board of Governors

Lonnie Ali, wife of Muhammad Ali and co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center

Bob Costas, award-winning broadcaster and author

The Honorable Craig Greenberg, mayor, Louisville

The Honorable Jacqueline Coleman, lieutenant governor, state of Kentucky

Neil Leifer, award-winning photographer and filmmaker

Peter Villegas, board of trustees’ member, Muhammad Ali Center

John Ramsey, board of trustees’ member, Muhammad Ali Center

Jamie Salter, board of trustees’ member, Muhammad Ali Center

Gerry Bradley, president, University of Louisville

When: Thursday, Jan.15, 2026, at noon EST

Where:

University of Louisville

L & N Federal Credit Union Stadium

Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club

2550 S Floyd St.

Louisville, KY 40208

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/muhammadalistamps.

Background:

Known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion. In his life, he challenged the best fighters in the world — and the world itself. At a time when African Americans fought to have a voice, he spoke loud and clear about his beliefs, defying expectations and empowering people around the world on his way to becoming a globally celebrated cultural icon.

Ali’s influence extended far beyond the ring. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents — supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. That same year, Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.

Muhammad Ali’s life was defined not only by his victories but by his conviction, generosity and enduring belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people everywhere, and his legacy lives on as “The Greatest.”

Customers can preorder Muhammad Ali stamps on usps.com and they will be shipped on Jan. 15, 2026.

Postal Products:

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.

Media Contact:

USPS (National)
David Coleman
202.425.1476
[email protected]

USPS (Kentucky)
Susan Wright
502.416.2119
[email protected]

Muhammad Ali Center
Dustin Vogt
502.992.5330
[email protected]

11.11.25

Reckoning, Inc. and Muhammad Ali Center honor Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers

New temporary exhibit now open through February 2026

LOUISVILLE, KY (November 11, 2025) — Reckoning Inc. is partnering with the Muhammad Ali Center for a new, temporary interactive exhibit entitled “Follow in Their Bootsteps: Stories of Kentucky’s Black Civil War Soldiers.” It opens on Veterans Day, November 11 and will remain in the lobby of the Ali Center through the end of February 2026.

The exhibit, funded by a grant from the Kentucky Historical Society, tells the stories of 10 African American soldiers from Kentucky who served in the Civil War. Collectively, their service represents the breadth of ways in which Black soldiers were utilized during the war; from driving supply wagons and working in field kitchens, to guarding Confederate prisoners and fighting on the front lines. Some of these soldiers witnessed Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse and then were sent to Texas to guard the southern border. Others served in the 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment, which lost men in two massacres, one at the Battle of Saltville, Virginia, and one in Simpsonville, Kentucky, when Confederate guerillas killed 22 soldiers in an ambush while the soldiers were driving cattle to Louisville.

For Black men in Kentucky, enlisting in the Union Army was a difficult and often dangerous proposition. Kentucky was the last state in the Union to allow Black men to join the Army, whether enslaved or free. And even after it became legal in the summer of 1864, it was still a deeply unpopular policy among many white Kentuckians, with some using deadly force to keep enslaved men from enlisting. It was also treacherous for enslaved men to travel through the state to enlistment sites, as they could be caught by “slave catchers” who were paid bounties to return enslaved people to their enslavers.

And yet, nearly 24,000 Black men from Kentucky braved these challenges and joined the Union Army, with over 44% of eligible Black men enlisting, the highest percentage of any state. This represented roughly 13% of the 186,000 U.S. Colored Troops who served in the Civil War, and one-quarter of all the soldiers who served in the Union Army from Kentucky.

To explore the research Reckoning, Inc. has done into the lives of the Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers, including archival documents and detailed family trees, please visit their website at reckoninginc.org.

About Reckoning, Inc.

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means

About the Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center is a 501(c)(3) that prides itself on being much more than a museum. As an athlete, a humanitarian, a global voice and man guided by faith, Muhammad Ali embodied a pursuit and belief in the greatness found in all people. Founded in 2005 by Lonnie and Muhammad Ali in his hometown of Louisville, the Center is dedicated to honoring Ali and continuing work based on his core principles.

Media Contact:  
Dustin Vogt
Muhammad Ali Center
[email protected]
502.992.5330

Dan Gediman
Reckoning, Inc.
[email protected]
502.299.2565

11.08.25

2025 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards honors global humanitarians, celebrates Ali Center’s future

The Muhammad Ali Center celebrates its 20^th Anniversary with night of esteemed awardees, new fundraising initiatives

LOUISVILLE, KY (November 8, 2025) — The Muhammad Ali Center hosted its 12th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, presented by Humana, on Saturday, November 8. This year’s event kicked off the organization’s 20^th anniversary by celebrating 11 esteemed humanitarians from across the globe and kickstarting future initiatives for the Ali Center, beginning with a $1 million grant announcement from The PwC Foundation.

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards are the Center’s largest annual fundraiser incorporating two categories: Seasoned Awards, honoring individuals who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to humanitarianism, and Six Core Principles Awards, presented to young adults 30 years of age or younger that embody Muhammad’s compassionate and philanthropic efforts.

“Twenty years ago, when Muhammad and I opened the doors of this Center, we weren’t just opening a museum. We were lighting a torch. A torch for compassion, courage, and conviction,” Muhammad Ali Center Co-Founder and CEO Lonnie Ali said. “Tonight, as we mark twenty years, we are not looking back. We are looking ahead. To a legacy that shines brighter every day, ready to shake up the world.”

Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, was honored with the Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement. He chaired the philanthropy committee that brought a resolution to the city of Detroit’s historic bankruptcy. Under his leadership, the Ford Foundation became the first non-profit in US history to issue a $1 billion social bond in the US to stabilize non-profit organizations in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Before joining Ford, Walker was vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation, overseeing global and domestic programs including the Rebuild New Orleans initiative after Hurricane Katrina. In the 1990s, as COO of the Abyssinian Development Corporation—Harlem’s largest community development organization—he led a comprehensive revitalization strategy, including building over 1,000 units of affordable housing and the first major commercial development in Harlem since the 1960s. Earlier, he had a decade-long career in international law and finance at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and UBS.

“Muhammad Ali embodied what it meant to be the greatest—in every sense—by showing us that a ferocious spirit and a deep well of empathy must coexist. For me, his words ‘Service to others is the rent I pay for my room here on earth’ are not just a saying; they are the blueprint for action. It is through extending dignity, opportunity, and justice to one another that we truly pay that rent,” Walker said. “I have always been profoundly moved by the Muhammad Ali Center’s commitment to preserving and actively championing this extraordinary legacy, ensuring Ali’s vision of service continues to inspire the world.”

Nancy Lieberman, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, BIG3 Head Coach, 2018 Champion and two-time Olympian received the Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Lieberman’s many on-court accomplishments enabled her to make an impact in the community with Nancy Lieberman Charities, allowing her to change the lives of children in urban neighborhoods through Educational College Scholarships, Mentorship, Basketball Camps and Clinics, and Racial and Social Justice Lecture programs. Those programs include building 137 “Dream Courts” that have provided over five million children in communities the opportunity to have a safe place to enjoy healthy activities, build relationships with local law enforcement and take part in community engagement.

“This award is very emotional for me because of my lifelong relationship with Muhammad. Had he not been the influence, mentor and friend in my life that he was, I don’t know if I would be receiving this award,” Lieberman said. “He gave me a path to help change other people’s lives. He was passionate that God had made me special for this assignment in life. I always wanted to be the G.O.A.T in my career, and he helped me realize maybe that wasn’t just for me playing on the court. He was the G.O.A.T in every aspect of life. I am overwhelmed and have such gratitude to accept this award.”

Receiving the Humanitarian Impact Award, co-presented by the Laureus Foundation, Anquan and Dionne Boldin built a legacy defined by their shared commitment to service, social justice, and community empowerment. By combining their leadership, influence, and compassion, they continue to drive meaningful change. Together, they co-founded the Anquan Boldin Foundation (Q81) and Sport for Impact, nonprofit organizations that leverage sport as a catalyst for good and champion education, equity, and social justice.

Anquan Boldin, a 14-year NFL veteran, Super Bowl XLVII Champion, and 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year, is celebrated not only as one of the league’s most productive wide receivers but also as a tireless advocate for systemic reform. His decorated football career—spanning the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions—was matched by his consistent commitment to community service. In 2004, he and Dionne established the Anquan Boldin Foundation to expand educational and life opportunities for underprivileged youth. Their commitment deepened in 2014 with a $1 million scholarship endowment, providing four-year scholarships to academically deserving students, with financial need who embody resilience and dedication to service. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 40 scholarships. Dionne Boldin has been the driving force behind the Foundation’s growth, ensuring impact in every city the family called home during Anquan’s career.

Together, they later co-founded Sport for Impact in 2023, an athlete-centered foundation dedicated to amplifying athlete influence as a force for social good. The Boldins’ shared legacy is not only one of service, empowerment, and systemic impact, but also one of vision and sustainability. Together, they have demonstrated how sport, influence, and compassion can be harnessed to challenge inequities and create long-term opportunities for communities at home and abroad.

Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa received the Humanitarian Award for Civility and Compassion. Under Dr. Al-Issa’s leadership, the Muslim World League has launched several initiatives to combat extremism and encourage interfaith harmony, promoting unity and coexistence. Notably, he led a delegation of Muslim scholars to Auschwitz in 2020, marking a historic moment in Muslim-Jewish relations. He also played a pivotal role in the 2019 Makkah Declaration, which brought together over 1,200 Muslim leaders from 139 countries to endorse principles of peace, coexistence, and religious tolerance. His efforts have earned him recognition from global religious leaders, who have praised his commitment to building bridges between faiths.

Joining those Seasoned Awardees were six young international humanitarians doing work in their countries and communities which embodies one of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.

Zuriel Oduwole (23), from the United States, received the Core Principle Confidence award for her development work across the globe mediating peace between nations, providing counsel to the world business and political leaders, advocating for girl’s education, and teaching free filmmaking classes to out-of-school young women.

“There are people, there are leaders, there are men, and then there is Muhammad Ali.  Organically intellectual, the epitome of kindness, principled to the core, and the measuring yard of greatness. To be receiving an award in his name, is so beyond ordinary,” Oduwole said.”

Dr. Joel Bervell, MD (30), from Ghana, received the Core Principle Conviction award for using viral social media storytelling to expose racial disparities, uncover the hidden history of medicine, and challenge biases in healthcare.

Raby Gueye (30), from Senegal, received the Core Principle Dedication award for expanding educational opportunity by placing young Senegalese leaders in classrooms across underserved communities. Her experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to equity and justice in education.

Gibson Kawago (30), from Tanzania, received the Core Principle Giving award for pioneering clean tech and advancing Africa’s transition to sustainable energy and e-mobility. He is the founder of WAGA Technologies and WAGA Motion, two award-winning ventures delivering clean energy storage and electric vehicle infrastructure across East Africa.

Trisha Prabhu (25), from the United States, received the Core Principle Respect award for her innovative ReThink technology that aims to proactively stop cyberbullying. The ReThink movement and Trisha’s anti-hate advocacy have been shared with digital citizens around the world.

“At 13, I wanted to do something about the silent pandemic of cyberbullying and online harassment,” Prabhu said. “Like Muhammad Ali, I wanted humanity to be grounded in, and driven by, love, not hate.”

Charitie Ropati (24), from the United States, received the Core Principle Spirituality award for her work building pipe infrastructure and water infrastructure for rural Alaska Native communities. Ropati uses her engineering background and Indigenous identity to advocate for sustainable and resilient water solutions.

In addition to celebrating the Muhammad Ali Center’s rich history, the year also marked a transformational milestone for its future. A $1 million grant from The PwC Foundation signaled a bold investment in sustaining the Center’s mission for decades to come, anchoring its role as a national leader in compassion-based education, workforce readiness, and youth leadership development.

“The PwC Foundation is honored to support the Muhammad Ali Center with this $1 million investment,” said Tracee Jones, President of The PwC Foundation. “The Human Skills Project, PwC’s new societal commitment, aims to help build a future-ready workforce grounded in empathy, creativity, and human connection. We believe that when people have the confidence and skills to adapt, collaborate, and lead with compassion, communities thrive. Through this grant, PwC is amplifying the impact of The Human Skills Project and bringing Muhammad Ali’s enduring principles to life in ways that inspire, uplift, and unite.”

The grant will serve as a cornerstone for the Ali Center’s next phase of growth, advancing new immersive exhibits, youth leadership initiatives, expansion of the Muhammad Ali Center’s University Programming, and data-driven global programs like the Muhammad Ali Index on Compassion.

Through continued philanthropic investment and partnerships of this caliber, the Center is building a sustainable future that extends Muhammad Ali’s enduring legacy of greatness, empathy, and social impact across communities worldwide.

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards are made possible through the generous support of all the corporate and individual donors who support this event, including this year’s Presenting, Platinum, Gold and Silver Level sponsors: Humana, Brown-Forman, Laureus, ESPN, PwC, and Authentic Brands Group.

About the Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center is a 501(c)(3) that prides itself on being much more than a museum. As an athlete, a humanitarian, a global voice and man guided by faith, Muhammad Ali embodied a pursuit and belief in the greatness found in all people. Founded in 2005 by Lonnie and Muhammad Ali in his hometown of Louisville, the Center is dedicated to honoring Ali and continuing work based on his core principles.

Photos of Awardees here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/03cisy8i7faazuqd4fhjv/AC1c2k3jqaHomVg3aTDHkJw?rlkey=4hirwrf10y1mx5tf6rfxqvh12&st=zpumgusw&dl=0

Media Contact:  
Dustin Vogt
Muhammad Ali Center
[email protected]
502.992.5330

10.29.25

U.S. Postal Service to Honor Muhammad Ali with Commemorative Stamp

LOUISVILLE, KY (October 29, 2025) — The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it will issue a new commemorative stamp honoring Muhammad Ali, the three-time World Heavyweight Champion, global humanitarian, and cultural icon whose courage, conviction, and compassion changed the world.

Known worldwide as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) transcended the sport of boxing to become one of the most celebrated and influential figures of the 20th century. As an athlete, activist and humanitarian, Ali devoted his life to fighting for justice and inspiring people across generations and continents to stand up for their beliefs and create positive change.

Two commemorative stamps, designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, will be released featuring a 1974 Associated Press photograph of Ali in his signature boxing stance. One stamp features the photo on the top half of the stamp with the name “ALI” in dark brown on the lower half. “THE GREATEST” runs up the right side of the “I’ of “ALI” in medium brown. In the other stamp, the photo is featured on the bottom half of the stamp with the name “ALI” in red on the top half with “THE GREATEST” in peach running up the right side of the “I”.

For many years, the Muhammad Ali Center has been part of the initiative to get the Greatest a stamp, aligning with one of Ali’s most famous sayings, “I should be a postage stamp, because that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.”

“Muhammad’s legacy is timeless because it was never just about sport, it was about humanity,” said Lonnie Ali, Co-Founder and Interim CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “He believed that greatness is measured not by what you achieve for yourself, but by what you do for others. These stamps are a beautiful reminder of his courage, his compassion, and the values that continue to guide our work at the Muhammad Ali Center.”

Grounded in his Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality, Muhammad Ali’s life continues to energize global movements for inspiring greatness and creating social change.

The Muhammad Ali Center, based in Louisville, Kentucky, forwards his legacy by engaging audiences around the world through education, exhibitions, and groundbreaking initiatives such as the Muhammad Ali Index, tracking and building compassion in America.

USPS announced this stamp will go on sale in 2026. All designs are preliminary and are subject to change.

The Ali Center is planning a special dedication ceremony commemorating the launch of the Muhammad Ali USPS Forever Stamp. More details will be announced at a later date.

For more information about the Muhammad Ali Center, visit alicenter.org.

Media Contact:
Dustin Vogt
Muhammad Ali Center
[email protected]
502.992.5330