Congress to Honor Muhammad Ali with Posthumous Gold Medal: Bronze Duplicates to Fund Production

The "Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act" officially authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded posthumously to Muhammad Ali. This isn't just about his legendary boxing career (though winning the heavyweight title three times and an Olympic gold medal certainly gets a nod). The bill recognizes Ali's lifelong fight for civil rights, his humanitarian work, and his outspoken stance against the Vietnam War, which, as the bill notes, cost him his title in 1967 before the Supreme Court cleared him in 1971 (SEC. 2).

Honoring a Legacy

This bill is all about formally recognizing Ali's impact, both in and out of the ring. It highlights his numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and his work with the United Nations (SEC. 2). It also notes that despite battling Parkinson's disease from the early 1980s, Ali continued his dedication to human rights and peace, even helping to secure the release of 15 U.S. hostages in the Gulf War in 1990 (SEC. 2). The medal itself will be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, featuring Ali's image and name, and will be presented to his wife, Lonnie Ali (SEC. 3).

Making and Funding the Medal

Beyond the award, the bill greenlights the creation of bronze duplicates of the gold medal. These duplicates will be sold to the public, with the proceeds covering the entire cost of the project (SEC. 4). This means the honor won't add to taxpayer expenses; it's funded by those who want a piece of this history. The United States Mint will handle production and sales, using its Public Enterprise Fund, and any profits will be channeled back into the fund (SEC. 6). The medals are officially designated as "national medals" and are considered "numismatic items," meaning they have collectible value (SEC. 5).

Real-World Ripple Effect

While this is largely a symbolic act, it's a big deal. Think of it like a national shout-out to Ali's principles and courage. For collectors, those bronze duplicates could become sought-after items. The bill specifically mentions that Ali's work, and the establishment of places like the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix, Arizona (SEC. 2), which the bill acknowledges, promote respect, hope, understanding, and have raised over $50,000,000 for Parkinson's research. This medal keeps that legacy in the public eye.