Extraordinary vintage glossy 7 x 5 candid photo of Ali posing with Malcom X’s three children in Miami, signed and inscribed on the reverse in blue ballpoint, “To Brother Wali, from Brother Cassius Clay, World Heavy Weight Champion, Good Luck, 1964.” Reverse bears a photographer’s stamp from Howard Bingham of Cassius Clay Enterprises. Scattered creases (primarily to corners), otherwise fine condition.
As stories surrounding Cassius Clay’s involvement with the Nation of Islam dominated headlines leading up to his 1964 title match with Sonny Liston, nervous promoters demanded a public disavowal of the ‘Black Muslims.’ Clay ignored the issue until the day after his victory, when he announced his membership in the NOI, as well as his decision to change his name. This photo, inscribed to “Brother Wali,” who worked under Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X, is a remarkable piece that captures this brief, life-changing period of Clay’s life and career. Within a matter of weeks, not only did he earn the Heavyweight title and assume his new name of Muhammad Ali, but he also ended his close friendship with Malcolm X, who left the NOI shortly after Ali joined. Having since referred to their split as one of his biggest regrets, the personal nature of this photo with Malcolm’s children adds special interest. A one-of-a-kind photo from arguably the most important year in Ali’s life. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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