The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling on all Americans urge their member of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives to support Congressman Andre Carson’s Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act. Today marks Muhammad Ali’s birthday, he was born on January 17, 1942.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the United States, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In posthumously recognizing the incomparable Muhammad Ali — an American Muslim athlete, humanitarian, and advocate whose impact reaches far beyond the boxing ring — we can solidify his status as one of the greatest athletes and recognize his pivotal role in advancing civil rights and promoting humanitarian causes worldwide.
Act Now! Urge Congress to support H.R. 709
to Award Muhammad Ali the Congressional Gold Medal
Let your U.S. House Representative know that Ali’s contributions
to civil rights, humanitarian causes, and global unity deserve this prestigious recognition.
Muhammad Ali’s Remarkable Achievements:
- Civil Rights Trailblazer: Ali courageously fought against the legacy of Jim Crow and segregation in sports, becoming a symbol of resilience and unity during a crucial era in American history.
- Humanitarian Champion: Beyond his prowess in the ring, Ali dedicated himself to humanitarian causes. His relentless efforts included founding the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, raising over $50 million for Parkinson’s research, and providing support to families dealing with illness.
- Global Diplomat: Ali’s commitment to diplomatic causes and racial harmony earned him prestigious accolades, such as being appointed a “U.N. Messenger of Peace” and receiving the Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. In 2005, President George W. Bush honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- Philanthropic Impact: Ali’s generosity extended to organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Special Olympics, and others, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Why Ali Deserves the Congressional Gold Medal: Muhammad Ali’s unwavering dedication to his sport and his global outreach efforts make him a beacon of inspiration for all generations. His legacy serves as a testament to the values of service, self-sacrifice, and unity. The Congressional Gold Medal is not just an award; it is a fitting commemoration of Ali’s life, work, and the indelible mark he left on society.
Current Co-Sponsors: Adams (D-NC), Allred (D-TX), Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Bowman (D-NY), Brownley (D-CA), Bush (D-MO), Cardenas (D-CA), T. Carter (D-TX), Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Y. Clarke (D-NY), Cleaver (D-MO), Clyburn (D-SC), Cohen (D-TN), Costa (D-CA), Crockett (D-TX), Davids (D-KS), Danny Davis (D-IL), Don Davis (D-FL), Donalds (R-FL), Dingell (D-MI), Escobar (D-TX), Espaillat (D-NY), Evans (D-PA), Foushee (D-NC), Frost (D-TX), J. Garcia (D-IL), V. Gonzalez (D-TX), Gottheimer (D-NJ), A. Green (D-TX), Grijalva (D-AZ), Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Horsford (D-NV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Jackson Lee (D-TX), Jacobs (D-CA), H. Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Keating (D-MA), R. Kelly (D-IL), Khanna (D-CA), A. Kim (D-NJ), Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Landsman (D-OH), B. Lee (D-CA), Summer Lee (D-PA), S. Lynch (D-MA), Mace (R-SC), McGarvey (D-KY), McGovern (D-MA), Meeks (D-NY), Mfume (D-MD), G. Moore (D-WI), Mrvan (D-IN), Napolitano (D-CA), Neal (D-MA), Neguse (D-CO), Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Omar (D-MN), Panetta (D-CA), Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ), Payne (D-NJ), Pressley (D-MA), Quigley (D-IL), Ruppersberger (D-MD), B. Scott (D-VA), D. Scott (D-GA), Sewell (D-AL), Sherrill (D-NJ), Soto (D-FL), Stansbury (D-NM), Strickland (D-OH), Thanedar (D-MI), B. Thompson (D-MS), Tlaib (D-MI), Torres (D-NY), Trone (D-MD), Vargas (D-CA), Veasey (D-TX), Velazquez (D-NY), Watson Coleman (D-NJ), N. Williams (D-PA), F. Wilson (D-FL).
