Philatelic News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2002
Stamp Release #02-015
POSTAL SERVICE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK HERITAGE STAMP SERIES
Rumor About Series Discontinuing Is Untrue
WASHINGTON - On Feb. 1, the U.S. Postal Service proudly issued the Langston Hughes commemorative stamp, marking the 25th anniversary of the popular Black Heritage series. More than 100 events took place across the country celebrating both the issuance of the stamp and the 25th anniversary of the series.
Recent reports and Internet rumors saying the Postal Service is discontinuing the Black Heritage series are untrue, as is the allegation that the Postal Service has directed that the current Black Heritage series stamps be destroyed.
"It is unfortunate that such rumors have spread, and we hope that the Postal Service's ongoing commitment to honoring the historical achievements and contributions
of African Americans on stamps will dispel any further concerns," said Azeezaly S. Jaffer, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications. "We have no plans to discontinue the Black Heritage series."
Facts about the Black Heritage series:
- The Black Heritage stamp series is one of the most popular of the Postal Service's U.S. commemorative stamp series. As a result of customer demand for the stamps, the Postal Service recently began producing a higher-than-average quantity.
- It is not the policy of the Postal Service to destroy stamps while they remain available for sale. Post offices with low sales of stamps are advised to return excess stock to their Stamp Distribution Office for subsequent distribution to post offices where stamp sales are high. Generally, commemorative stamps are available for sale for about a year after they are issued.
- The Black Heritage series began 24 years ago with a stamp honoring American abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Each fall, the honoree for the following year is announced.
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