The nation’s first stamp to honor an African-American, holds a unique place in American history. Social, economic, and legislative struggles since 1940 produced deeper understanding and acceptance among racial groups. Today, the United States Postal Service (USPS) regularly honors African-Americans and their widely varied contributions to the nation and the world. Born a slave in Hale’s Ford, Virginia, Mr. Washington served as a role model for other struggling African-Americans, and, as founder of Alabama’s Tuskegee Normal Industrial School (renamed Tuskegee Institute in 1937), he profoundly influenced the community’s self-esteem and self-reliance. In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, responding to numerous petitions from African-American supporters, recognized the timeliness of such a stamp and directed that Washington be considered for this important stamp series.
Little Known Black History Fact- Black America 250: On April 7, 1940, the Post Office Department issued a stamp honoring African American educator Booker T. Washington as part of its Famous Americans Series.
by Cherie S. White | Apr 7, 2026 | News