To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is held from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 each year, here’s a look at six stamps honoring Americans of Hispanic or Latino origin.
1. Desi Arnaz. The Cuban-born entertainer appeared on a 1999 stamp with his wife, Lucille Ball. In 1950, Arnaz and Ball co-founded Desilu Productions; the following year, they launched “I Love Lucy,” one of the most successful series in TV history.
2-3. Roberto Clemente. The Puerto Rican baseball player has been featured on two stamps: a 1984 release commemorating his 50th birthday and a 2000 stamp that was part of the Legends of Baseball pane. Clemente played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973 following his death the year before.
4. Cesar Chavez. A Mexican American, Chavez founded the United Farm Workers of America labor union and was an advocate for social change and workers’ rights. He appeared on a 2003 stamp that was released on the 10th anniversary of his death.
5. Julia de Burgos. De Burgos was an influential Latino voice in early 20th century journalism and literature and wrote more than 200 poems on the topics of love, feminism and personal and political freedom. The Puerto Rican-born writer’s image graced a 2010 stamp as part of the Literary Arts series. A revolutionary writer, thinker and activist, de Burgos wrote more than 200 poems that probe issues of love, feminism and political and personal freedom.
6. Hispanic Americans. In 1984, the Postal Service issued a stamp honoring the contributions of Hispanic men and women to the nation’s defense.
More information on Hispanic-themed stamps can be found in “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage,” a virtual exhibit on the National Postal Museum’s site, which also has a list of Hispanic-themed stamps.