February is Black History Month — a time to celebrate the heritage of African-Americans and their contributions to the nation.
African-Americans comprise almost 22 percent of the Postal Service’s workforce.
The observance began in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, founder of the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), promoted Negro History Week, which was held each February. In 1976, Negro History Week was extended to a one-month observance. Today, it’s designated as Black History Month or African-American History Month.
This year’s theme, “Founders of Black History Month,” celebrates ASALH’s 100th anniversary.
The Postal Service has honored the contributions of African-Americans since 1940, when Booker T. Washington was featured on a stamp.
In 2014, USPS celebrated six distinguished African-Americans on stamps: Shirley Chisholm, Ralph Ellison, Jimi Hendrix, C. Alfred “Chief” Anderson, Edna Lewis and Wilt Chamberlin.
Robert Robinson Taylor will be honored on the 38th Black Heritage stamp, which will be issued in February.