Black Muslim Leader Malcolm X Photographing Cassius Clay

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This black and white photographic print depicts a candid shot of Malcolm X photographing Muhammad Ali. Malcom X stands behind the counter top of what appears to be a diner or bar with a camera held to his face, smiling as he focuses on Ali across the counter and to his right. Ali wears a bemused expression and rests his hands on the counter top. Seated at the counter and beyond to where the frame of the image ends, are numerous men dressed likewise in suits; many pictured have focused their attention on the interaction between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. There is only one woman pictured three rows back from the counter.

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