Laying the Foundation for Change: Muhammad Ali & the Civil Rights Movement
Muhammad Ali's prediction for his fight against Jerry Quarry on October 26, 1970. Hand-drawn by Ali in marker.
Donated by the LeRoy Neiman Foundation in 2017.
Ali's Return to Boxing
Although Muhammad Ali was still in the appeal process for his conscientious objection case, he was able to arrange a boxing match versus Jerry Quarry for October 26, 1970, in Atlanta, Georgia. In the state of Georgia, city officials are able to make decisions on boxing matches without state government approval. As such, the city of Atlanta granted Ali a boxing license, and thus his three-round win over Jerry Quarry ensued.
The push for Ali's boxing license came from a Black Senator by the name of Leroy Johnson, who used his influence to apply pressure to Atlanta Mayor Sam Russell. The match proved to be a win not only for Muhammad Ali but also for the strength of Black political power.
In support of the historic match, famous boxing journalist, Bert Sugar, called the match "the greatest collection of Black Power and Black money assembled." Several influential Black Americans who supported Ali were present, including Jesse Jackson, Sidney Poitier, and Diana Ross. The picture showcases a drawing created by Muhammad Ali two days before his return match with Jerry Quarry. The drawing, poking fun, includes Lester Maddox, the Georgia governor and segregationist, who was adamantly against the match taking place. In the drawing, Ali depicts Maddox running down the aisle and shouting, “Stop that fight!"
Boxing Match Between Muhammad Ali and Jerry Quarry Drawing, October 24, 1970
