On what date did Muhammad Ali announce his membership in the Nation of Islam?

Muhammad Ali announced his membership in the Nation of Islam on February 26, 1964. At the time, he was still widely known by his birth name, Cassius Clay, and had just defeated Sonny Liston to become world heavyweight champion the previous day.

The announcement came during a period when Clay’s association with Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam was attracting intense public attention. He rejected the era’s common label “Black Muslim,” describing himself as a Muslim and affirming his religious commitment. The declaration made his faith a central part of his public identity and career.

A common mix-up is February 25, the date of his first victory over Liston, or March 6, when Elijah Muhammad announced on the radio that Clay would receive the name Muhammad Ali. Those were separate milestones: February 26 marked the public confirmation of his Nation of Islam membership, while March 6 marked the formal announcement of his new name.