Black Heritage Stamp Series Continues

Anna Julia Cooper is 32nd Honoree

HAMPTON ROADS, VA — In 1978, the U.S. Postal Service began the Black Heritage stamp series with the issuance of the Harriett Tubman commemorative stamp. The Postal Service remains committed to this popular stamp series, which helps educate Americans on the achievements and contributions of noted African-American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and sports figures.

The 32nd honoree in the series will be Anna Julia Cooper, an educator, scholar, feminist, and activist who gave voice to the African-American community during the 19th and 20th centuries, from the end of slavery to the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. The 44-cent commemorative stamp, to be issued June 11, 2009, is a portrait of Cooper created by Kadir Nelson from an undated photograph.

The Postal Service has traditionally released the Black Heritage series stamp in February. Beginning this year, Black Heritage commemorative stamps will be released in June after the price change, allowing use of the stamp for a longer period of time without additional postage being added.

In February, the Civil Rights Pioneers 6-stamp sheet was released honoring 12 leaders of the struggle for African-American civil rights. These 42-cent stamps are available at most local Post Offices or online at www.usps.com/shop , but will require two cents additional postage if used.