New African-American U.S. Postal Stamps Released - New KWANZAA Stamp and A Set of Romare Bearden Stamps

The United States Postal Service has just released some new African-American stamps...

First, the Romare Bearden 4-design collection came out September 28th, 2011. Romare Bearden (1911-1988) was one of the 20th century's most distinguished American artists. His art has been praised for depicting the complexities of African-American experience while addressing universal themes, and is in the permanent collections of major museums across the nation. Though he created works in many media, he is particularly celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to collage. Using various materials, including cut papers, foil, and fabrics, he transformed collage into a forceful means of expression with mainstream appeal. Four collages by Bearden, described in order from left to right below, appear on the Romare Bearden (Forever) stamp sheet.

Second, we have the latest iteration of the KWANZAA stamp for 2011 which was released October 14th. The stamp art, a highly symbolic design, depicts a family celebrating KWANZAA. The prominent colors in the artwork represent the colors of the KWANZAA flag — green for growth, red for blood, and black for the African people. Artist Daniel Minter created the stamp design.

KWANZAA, the African-American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, was first celebrated on December 26th, 1966. Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1, with each day focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles. Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits", KWANZAA is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa. KWANZAA seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles, that have sustained Africans. Though KWANZAA is NOT a religious observance, but a cultural affirmation and celebration, Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice KWANZAA.

Black Heritage Postage Stamp Series Retrospective Beyond The Perf - USA Philatelic

1978 Issued Stamp Of Harriet Tubman

www.surfbtp.com/heritage

New Africentric 44-Cent U.S. Postage Stamps:U.S. Navy Sailor "Dorie" Miller,Filmmaker Oscar Micheaux andThe Negro Baseball League

I finally got a chance to look through the new issue of USA Philatelic magazine that the United States Postal Service sends out quarterly and came across a few upcoming 44-cent stamps for 2010 that I wanted to share with the FAM.

Keep these stamps in mind when you go to your local post office and ask for them, or call TOLL-FREE 1-800-STAMP-24 (1-800-782-6724) tp place an order, order online from www.usps.com

First, as part of the Distinguished Sailor series
of postage stamps is Doris "Dorie"Miller.
Set For Release February 4th, 2010



I Found This Pin Image Of Dorie On A Google Search.
It Looks Vintage and So Qool And So I Wanted To Share It

Second,
Oscar Micheaux Was a Prolific African-American Filmmaker
Who Made 30+ Black Films (from 1919-1941)
Way Back In The Days
-
How He Was Able To Raise Money And Get Those Films Done
Is INCREDIBLE In And Of Itself For Those Days.

Truly KUJICHAGULIA (koo-GEE-chah-GOO-lee-AH):
SELF-DETERMINATION

More on Oscar Micheaux...

The 33rd stamp in the Black Heritage series, to be issued June 22nd, 2010 honors pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, who wrote, directed, produced and distributed more than 40 movies during the first half of the 20th century. An ambitious, larger-than-life figure, Micheaux thrived at a time when African-American filmmakers were rare, venues for their work were scarce, and support from the industry did not exist. Micheaux’s entrepreneurial spirit and independent vision continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.

This stamp features a stylized portrait of Oscar Micheaux by Gary Kelley. The artwork is based on one of the few surviving photographs of Micheaux, a portrait that appeared in his 1913 novel The Conquest.

Although only 15 of his movies are known to have survived in whole or in part, Micheaux has become a cinematic icon. In 1986, he was posthumously awarded a special Directors Guild of America award. In 1995, the Producers Guild of America established the Oscar Micheaux Award to honor “an individual or individuals whose achievements in film and television have been accomplished despite difficult odds.”

Third and Final New Stamp:
Negro Baseball League

-
Andrew "Rube" Foster

New 44-Cent KWANZAA Postage Stamp Released From the United States Postal Service

New 44-Cent KWANZAA Postage Stamp
Released By The USPS October 2009

The USPS (United States Postal Service) just released the new iteration of the venerable KWANZAA stamp and to coincide with the recent price increase of 44-cents for all first class regular mail. The stamp is not bad and I like it; though it is the third stamp iteration for KWANZAA hands down, the very first KWANZAA stamp (started back when the postage was 32-cents) still remains my top favorite. I really wish they hadn't changed it ver the years, but I support the effort of the KWANZAA stamp's continued existence in it's many incarnations.

Harambee (ha-RAHM-bay'-AY)
Let's All Pull Together

My Block of 10 KWANZAA Stamps I Received In The Mail