The Postal Service will release its latest Kwanzaa stamp on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
The annual Pan-African holiday, observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, celebrates family, community and culture. Rooted in ancient and modern first-harvest festivals, Kwanzaa incorporates traditions from across the African continent that aim to foster unity and pride.
Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp — the Postal Service’s 10th Kwanzaa release since 1997 — with original artwork by Ekua Holmes.
Holmes was inspired by a live performance of dancers she witnessed at a Kwanzaa event in Roxbury, MA. The image shows three young performers — a male drummer and two female dancers.
The composition highlights the colors of the Pan-African flag — black, red and green — with West African designs on the floor, background and the drummer’s pants.
The stamp will be dedicated in Pittsburgh and will be available nationwide in sheets of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
