The Postal Service will release its latest Black Heritage stamp, honoring poet Phillis Wheatley, on Thursday, Jan. 29.
The 49th honoree in the series, Wheatley (1753-1784) was born in West Africa and brought to Boston on a slave ship. Although she was enslaved, she received an education in the household of John Wheatley, a merchant. Through her talents, she became the first author of African descent in the American Colonies to publish a book.
Wheatley published her first collection, “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,” in 1773. This collection showcased her impressive mastery of various poetic forms, including hymns, elegies and narrative verse, securing her place in history.
Freed from slavery that same year, she went on to correspond with figures such as George Washington, who praised her poetic talent.
Wheatley’s legacy continues to inspire generations, earning her the title of the “mother of African American literature.” Before the Civil War, abolitionists used her accomplishments to affirm the intellectual capability of people of African descent and argue against slavery.
Schools, libraries, community centers and university buildings across the country have been named for Wheatley.
Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using an existing portrait by Kerry James Marshall.
The Phillis Wheatley Forever stamp will be available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and at usps.com.
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