African American US Postage Stamps, Celebrating Black History

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The US Postal Service has a rich history of celebrating African American culture and contributions through its postage stamps. The first African American US postage stamp was issued in 1940, featuring the likeness of Booker T. Washington.

It's a powerful way to honor and recognize the achievements of African Americans, and it's a tradition that continues to this day. Many of these stamps feature prominent figures from African American history, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

These stamps not only serve as a reminder of the past, but also as a celebration of the present and future. They inspire us to learn more about and appreciate the contributions of African Americans to our country's history and culture.

History of Black Heritage Stamps

The history of Black Heritage stamps is a fascinating story that spans several decades. The first U.S. stamp to honor an African American was the ten-cent Booker T. Washington stamp, issued in 1940.

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The Postal Service initiated the Black Heritage stamp series in 1978, recognizing the achievements of individual African Americans. This marked a significant shift in the representation of African Americans on U.S. postage stamps.

The first stamp in the Black Heritage series was not specified in the article, but we do know that the series has featured a wide range of notable African Americans. From artists and musicians to politicians and athletes, the Black Heritage series has honored the contributions of many influential individuals.

The series has also included stamps featuring African American women, such as Barbara Jordan, Shirley Chisholm, and Maya Angelou. These stamps not only celebrated the achievements of these women but also helped to bring attention to their work and legacy.

Here's a list of some of the notable African Americans featured on Black Heritage stamps, along with the denomination and date of issue:

The Black Heritage series has also included stamps featuring African American artists, musicians, and athletes. For example, the series has honored the contributions of jazz musicians, including Miles Davis and John Coltrane, although John Coltrane is not mentioned in the article.

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The series has also recognized the achievements of African American women in various fields, including music, literature, and politics. These stamps not only celebrate the achievements of these women but also help to bring attention to their work and legacy.

Today, the Black Heritage series continues to honor the contributions of African Americans, providing a unique and valuable perspective on the history and culture of the African American community.

African American US Postage Stamps

The first U.S. stamp to honor an African American was the ten-cent Booker T. Washington stamp, issued in 1940. This marked a significant milestone in recognizing the contributions of African Americans.

The Postal Service initiated the Black Heritage stamp series in 1978 to recognize the achievements of individual African Americans. This series has been a powerful way to highlight the accomplishments of African Americans.

In 2011, the Postal Service issued a series of stamps celebrating African American culture and contributions. The stamps included Latin Music Legends: Celia Cruz, Jazz, and Black Heritage: Barbara Jordan.

Postage Stamp with USA Flag on White Envelope
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One notable stamp is the Romare Bearden stamp, which was issued in four different designs in 2011. Bearden was a renowned artist known for his collages and paintings.

The Postal Service has also issued stamps honoring African American innovators and artists. For example, the Katherine Dunham stamp was issued in 2012 to recognize her contributions to modern dance.

The Postal Service has continued to issue stamps honoring African American icons and leaders. For example, the Rosa Parks stamp was issued in 2013 to recognize her role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Here is a list of some notable African American stamps issued by the Postal Service:

The Postal Service continues to issue stamps honoring African American icons and leaders, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and celebrated.

Representation on U.S. Stamps

The first U.S. stamp to honor an African American was the ten-cent Booker T. Washington stamp, issued in 1940.

The Black Heritage stamp series was initiated by the Postal Service in 1978 to recognize the achievements of individual African Americans.

Faceless African American siblings drawing on blank papers at home
Credit: pexels.com, Faceless African American siblings drawing on blank papers at home

In 2011, the Postal Service issued a series of stamps honoring African American contributions, including Latin Music Legends: Celia Cruz, Jazz, and Black Heritage: Barbara Jordan.

Barbara Jordan was a trailblazing politician and the first African American woman to serve in the Texas Senate.

The Postal Service has continued to issue stamps honoring African American contributions, including Romare Bearden, Holiday Celebrations: Kwanzaa, and Black Heritage: John H. Johnson.

John H. Johnson was a renowned publisher and founder of Ebony and Jet magazines.

Here is a list of some of the notable stamps issued by the Postal Service:

The Postal Service has made a concerted effort to increase representation on U.S. stamps, issuing stamps honoring a wide range of African American contributions and achievements.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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