This important and illuminating handwritten essay – covering all or part of seven pages – Muhammad Ali sets forth some of his opinions on problematic race relations and his support for Civil Rights Leader Malcolm X. Ali’s words were written in blue ballpoint pen on 8 ½ x 13 ¼ blue-lined yellow paper. Page 1 titled “New Subject Mal X” outlines his frustrations with black leaders at the time. One passage reads: “These Black leaders are not going to get the so called Negroes free, as long as they are afraid of making the White man angry. How are you going to get free from a white man and you are afraid to Make him angry. How are you going to fight a man that you are afraid to hurt.”

      Very rarely does one get to witness the thought process of a man as bare and honest as this - and that it is the Champ - Muhammad Ali - doing the writing makes it all the more unique and touching. Today not many recall the controversy and hatred that greeted him when he converted to Islam. It took years for sportswriters to acknowledge his name "Muhammad Ali" and the disparaging remarks pointed towards him would shock many of us who are used to the politically-correct world we live in today. To fully understand the man who is regarded as the greatest boxer of all-time, you must read these thoughts. No other sports figure - make that any public figure - has been more honest and open about a profound period of his life than Ali has here.

      Ali did not sign this essay, but JSA, in its letter of authenticity (Z02449) states “All handwriting was penned in the hand of Muhammad Ali. This essay is also secured in a 12 x 18 inch vinyl cover with plastic covers and each page in its own cover. Also included is an 8 x 10 inch black and white photograph of Ali with Malcolm X.

Auction Notepad