12 Black Icons Honored with USPS Stamps

Celebrate Black History Month with a look at the pioneers in music, civil rights, sports, politics and theater who have been memorialized on U.S. postage stamps.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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From abolitionists like Frederick Douglass to civil rights icons like Rosa Parks, the United States Postal Service has honored numerous Black pioneers and trailblazers with their own commemorative stamps over the years. These stamps celebrate the lives and legacies of heroes who have made significant contributions in fields ranging from music and sports to politics and activism.

Why it matters

The USPS stamp program provides national recognition and memorialization for influential figures in American history. By honoring these Black icons with postal stamps, the USPS is ensuring their stories and achievements reach a wide audience and are preserved for future generations.

The details

The USPS has issued stamps featuring a diverse array of Black luminaries, including Muhammad Ali, Phillis Wheatley, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, Dorothy Height, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Althea Gibson, Barbara Jordan, August Wilson, Gwen Ifill, and Frederick Douglass. These stamps often feature artwork, photography, or illustrations that capture the essence and accomplishments of the honorees.

  • The USPS has issued stamps honoring Black icons over several decades, from the 1960s to the present day.
  • Many of the stamps were released in conjunction with significant anniversaries or events, such as Black History Month.

The players

United States Postal Service (USPS)

The independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the U.S.

Muhammad Ali

Legendary boxer and civil rights activist who was honored with a USPS stamp in 2022.

Phillis Wheatley

Considered the first African American to publish a book of poetry, Wheatley was honored with a USPS stamp in 2022.

Jimi Hendrix

Iconic rock musician who was featured on a USPS Music Icons series stamp in 2014.

Rosa Parks

Civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, and who was honored with a USPS stamp in 2013.

Ray Charles

Grammy-winning musician who was featured on a USPS Music Icons series stamp in 2013.

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What they’re saying

“This stamp will travel millions of miles, it will pass through countless hands, but it will quietly remind the world of a man who dared to believe that kindness could be powerful and that being in service to others could be heroic.”

— Lonnie Ali, Widow of Muhammad Ali (Associated Press)

“While my brother has been cited many times as being among the most influential musicians of all time, the recognition implicit in his being portrayed on a U.S. postage stamp ranks as an unparalleled honor.”

— Janie Hendrix, Sister of Jimi Hendrix (USPS)

“Her achievements served as a catalyst for equality in sports and in life and I am honored to participate in this historic event.”

— Billie Jean King (USPS)

The takeaway

The USPS stamp program serves as a powerful way to commemorate and preserve the legacies of influential Black Americans, ensuring their stories and contributions are recognized and celebrated on a national scale. These stamps not only honor the individuals, but also inspire future generations and promote greater awareness and understanding of Black history and culture.