Civil Rights Icon Dorothy Height Becomes 15th Black Woman to Be Honored With U.S. Postage Stamp

Washington, DC — Every year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) releases a new series of Forever stamps. This amazing collection of stamps features beautiful art, distinguished Americans and historic events. Among the newest releases for 2017 is a stamp in the Black Heritage series that honors Dorothy Height, PhD. (1912-2010).

Height was a tireless activist who dedicated her life to fighting for racial and gender equality. She was the 10th National President (1947-1956) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was appointed by President Carter to the Presidential Commission on a National Agenda during the 1980’s. She also served as president of the National Council of Negro Women for more than 40 years.

The stamp dedicated to her life and accomplishments features artist Thomas Blackshear II’s gouache and acrylics on board portrait of Height. The painting is based on a 2009 photograph shot by Lateef Mangum. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

The US Postal Service’s Black Heritage stamp series began in 1978 with a stamp that honored Harriet Tubman, and has since paid tribute to 39 other African-American leaders and influencers. Past honorees include Alvin Ailey, James Baldwin, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X and more.

Another stamp in the Forever series that pays homage to African Americans is the Mississippi Statehood (Statehood series) stamp, which celebrates the state of Mississippi as the birthplace of many legendary blues artists. The stamp features a 2009 photograph showing a close-up of an African American guitar player’s hands. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with an existing photo taken by Lou Bopp.

Both stamps will be released in early 2017. For more details, visit https://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2016/pr16_094.htm

 

PRESS CONTACT:
Roy Betts
roy.a.betts@usps.gov
202-268-3207