Shirley Chisholm, First African-American Woman Elected to Congress Joins Popular Black Heritage Stamp Series
The popular US Postal Service (USPS) Black Heritage Stamp Series grew today, with the addition of its 37th Forever Stamp honoring pioneering Congresswoman and groundbreaking presidential candidate, Shirley Chisholm.
“Shirley Chisholm was a courageous and pioneering woman whose legacy lives on with the issuance of this special stamp,” said Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman. “We are proud to honor this great American who shattered barriers of race and gender. Shirley Chisholm fought for the rights of women and the poor as a true champion for justice and equality for all.”
The Shirley Chisholm stamp was designed by art director Ethel Kessler and features a color portrait of Chisholm by artist Robert Shetterly. Painted in acrylic on wood, the portrait is one of a series of paintings by Shetterly titled “Americans Who Tell the Truth.”
Bay Area Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) served Chisholm’s 1972 Presidential Campaign as an area coordinator, and will pay special tribute to her Sat., Feb. 1, 2014 during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum at Mills College.
Congresswoman Lee first introduced legislation in 2005 expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative stamp should be issued in Congresswoman Chisholm’s honor.
The newly released stamp will be available for sale during the special event.
The Shirley Chisholm Black Heritage Forever Stamp goes on sale today at Post Offices nationwide, online at usps.com/stamps , at the Postal Store on eBay at ebay.com/stamps , and by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).
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