MUHAMMAD, HERBERT BUSINESS CARD (MANAGER OF MUHAMMAD ALI)

Herbert Muhammad was born in Detroit, the third son of Elijah Muhammad and his wife, Clara. When his father established his headquarters in Chicago, Jabir Herbert Muhammad became the Nation of Islam’s chief business manager, operating restaurant, bakery and laundry enterprises. He also oversaw its newspaper, Muhammad Speaks. Mr. Muhammad first met Ali after the Liston fight, when Ali visited a photographic studio he operated. Soon afterward, he accompanied Ali to Africa, then introduced him to a woman named Sonji Roy, who had worked in sales for Muhammad Speaks. She became Ali’s first wife a little more than a month later. Jabir Herbert Muhammad, a son of Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam leader, became Ali’s personal manager. When Ali’s contract with his Louisville backers expired in 1966, Mr. Muhammad began managing Ali’s boxing career. Mr. Muhammad, who oversaw Ali’s finances until 1991, a decade after he retired from boxing, said he had undertaken the role at the request of his father to ensure that Ali was not taken advantage of. Herbert Muhammad passed away at the age of 79 in 2008. Offered here is an original business card of Herbert Muhammad as manager of Muhammad Ali.
This is an original business card printed on heavy stock. Bold color and print. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Scarce. 2" x 3 1/2."