The Black Heritage Stamps Series is one of the most important commemorative stamp programs issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Introduced in 1978, the series honors influential African Americans who have shaped U.S. history, culture, science, arts, and civil rights.
The first stamp in the series featured Harriet Tubman, issued on February 1, 1978.
Since then, the series has grown into one of the longest-running U.S. stamp series, with nearly 50 stamps issued through 2026.
If you’re new to philately or just starting your journey with U.S. postage, the Black Heritage Series Forever Stamps offers a meaningful and easy-to-follow collecting path.
Before diving deeper into this iconic series, it’s helpful to understand the basics of stamp collecting – such as how to identify stamps, preserve their condition, and build a structured collection. You can explore our detailed Stamp Collecting Guide to learn essential tips, tools, and strategies that will help you get the most out of collecting this historically rich and culturally significant series.
Why Black Heritage Stamps Are Issued
The USPS created this series to:
- Recognize African American achievements and contributions
- Promote cultural awareness and historical education
- Celebrate leaders in civil rights, science, arts, politics, and sports
- Reflect America’s diversity and shared heritage
The series was developed as part of USPS efforts to honor people and milestones significant to the nation’s identity.
Black Heritage Stamps List
Forever Stamp Era
Phillis Wheatley (2026)
Issue date: January 29, 2026
The 49th stamp in the Black Heritage series issued in 2026 honors Phillis Wheatley (ca. 1753-1784), the first author of African descent in the American colonies to publish a book.
Her 1773 collection, Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral, earned acclaim in America and Britain, showcasing her skill in religious, elegiac, and philosophical verse. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering literary figure – often called the “mother of African American literature”- whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Allen Toussaint (2025)
Date of issue: January 30, 2025
New Orleans is one of the world’s great music cities, and Allen Toussaint (1938–2015) played a major role in shaping its signature rhythm-and-blues sound. The 48th Black Heritage forever stamp of 2025 honors this legendary pianist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose hits include “Fortune Teller,” “All These Things,” and “Southern Nights.”
His many honors include the National Medal of Arts (2013), along with inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Constance Baker Motley (2024)
Ernest J. Gaines (2023)
Edmonia Lewis (2022)
Issue Date: January 26, 2022
The 45th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Edmonia Lewis (c. 1844–1907), the first African American and Native American sculptor to achieve international fame. Despite facing racial and social barriers, Lewis built a successful career creating neoclassical marble sculptures in the United States and Rome.
The stamp features a portrait based on a photograph taken between 1864 and 1871, celebrating her lasting contributions to American art and culture.
The work Lewis produced during her prolific career evokes the complexity of her social identity. Known by an Ojibwe name that translated into English as Wildfire, she made and sold crafts for tourists for part of her childhood when she lived with her aunts near Niagara Falls, New York.
In 1865, Lewis sailed for Europe and settled in Rome, where she created marble neoclassical sculpture that often incorporated African American and Native American subjects.
August Wilson (2021)
Gwen Ifill (2020)
Gregory Hines (2019)
Lena Horne (2018)
Dorothy Height (2017)
Issue Date: February 1, 2017
The 40th Black Heritage Forever Stamp honors Dorothy Height (1912–2010), a pioneering civil rights and women’s rights activist who devoted her life to promoting racial and gender equality. Often called the “godmother of the civil rights movement,” Height played a key role in many of the most important social justice campaigns of the 20th century.
As president of the National Council of Negro Women, she helped organize the historic March on Washington in 1963 and worked closely with leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Height was also a strong advocate for women’s rights, serving on President John F. Kennedy’s Commission on the Status of Women and helping establish the National Women’s Political Caucus.
The stamp features a portrait by artist Thomas Blackshear II based on a 2009 photograph by Lateef Mangum. Throughout her remarkable career, Height received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing her lasting impact on American society.
Richard Allen (2016)
Robert Robinson Taylor (2015)
Shirley Chisholm (2014)
Althea Gibson (2013)
John H. Johnson (2012)
Barbara Jordan (2011)
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Interesting Facts
- First African American on U.S. stamp: Booker T. Washington (1940)
- Series started in 1978 during Bicentennial-era expansion
- Over 100 Black figures honored across all USPS stamps
Earlier Issues
Oscar Micheaux (2010)
Anna Julia Cooper (2009)
Charles W. Chesnutt (2008)
Ella Fitzgerald (2007)
Hattie McDaniel (2006)
Marian Anderson (2005)
Paul Robeson (2004)
Thurgood Marshall (2003)
Langston Hughes (2002)
Roy Wilkins (2001)
Malcolm X (2000)
Jackie Ormes (1999)
Dr. James Weldon Johnson (1998) (reconfirm)
Jackie Robinson (1997) (earlier also)
Carter G. Woodson (1996) (earlier issue)
Mary McLeod Bethune (1995) (earlier issue)
Allison Davis (1994)
Percy Lavon Julian (1993)
W.E.B. Du Bois (1992)
Jan E. Matzeliger (1991)
Ida B. Wells (1990)
A. Philip Randolph (1989)
James Weldon Johnson (1988)
Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable (1987)
Sojourner Truth (1986)
Mary McLeod Bethune (1985)
Carter G. Woodson (1984)
Scott Joplin (1983)
Jackie Robinson (1982)
Whitney M. Young (1981)
Benjamin Banneker (1980)
Martin Luther King Jr. (1979)
Harriet Tubman (1978) (First Stamp)
Design and Artistic Features
Notable Artists
- Jerry Pinkney (early series illustrator)
- Thomas Blackshear II (major contributor)
- Modern digital artists for Forever stamps
Design Elements
- Portrait-style artwork
- Strong cultural symbolism
- Historical authenticity
Notable Themes in the Series
The series covers a wide range of fields:
- Civil Rights → Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks
- Literature → Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes
- Music & Arts → Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne
- Science & Education → Benjamin Banneker
- Politics & Leadership → Barbara Jordan
Collecting Tips for Black Heritage Stamps
Build a Complete Set
– Start from 1978 Harriet Tubman
– Collect annually released stamps
Focus on Condition
– Mint Never Hinged (MNH) preferred
– First Day Covers (FDCs) add value
Track Forever Issues
– Modern stamps are easier to obtain
– Still valuable as part of complete series
Thematic Collecting
Combine with:
– Civil Rights stamps
– Famous Americans series
The Black Heritage Series Forever Stamps is more than just a collection – it’s a powerful tribute to individuals who shaped American history. For collectors, it offers:
- A complete, structured collecting goal
- Deep historical and cultural significance
- Ongoing additions each year
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced philatelist, this series is a must-have cornerstone in any U.S. stamp collection.
FAQs – Black Heritage Series Stamps
Q1. What is the Black Heritage Series of stamps?
The Black Heritage Series is a long-running commemorative stamp series issued by the USPS to honor notable African Americans who have made significant contributions to U.S. history, culture, science, and civil rights.
Q2. When was the first Black Heritage stamp issued?
The first stamp in the series was issued in 1978, featuring Harriet Tubman, a leading abolitionist and humanitarian.
Q3. Are all Black Heritage stamps Forever stamps?
No, only the more recent issues are Forever stamps. Earlier stamps were issued with specific denominations, but newer ones are valid for First-Class postage regardless of future rate changes.
Q4. How many Black Heritage stamps have been issued?
As of 2026, nearly 50 stamps have been issued in the Black Heritage Series, with typically one new stamp released each year.
Q5. Who chooses the individuals featured on these stamps?
The USPS selects honorees through its Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), which evaluates nominations based on historical significance and national impact.
Q6. Why are Black Heritage stamps important?
These stamps recognize the achievements and contributions of African Americans and help promote awareness of their role in shaping U.S. history and culture.
Q7. Are Black Heritage stamps valuable for collectors?
Individually, most stamps are affordable, but complete sets, First Day Covers (FDCs), and well-preserved collections can have higher value, especially for thematic collectors.
Q8. How can I start collecting Black Heritage stamps?
You can begin by collecting recent Forever stamps from USPS or dealers and gradually build a complete set starting from the first issue in 1978.
Q9. What types of people are featured in the series?
The series includes a wide range of individuals such as civil rights leaders, writers, musicians, scientists, educators, and political figures.
Q10. Where can I buy Black Heritage Series stamps?
You can purchase them from the USPS website, local post offices, stamp dealers, online marketplaces, and philatelic exhibitions.
