33c Malcolm X stamp

Born as Malcolm Little, Malcolm X (1925-1965) emerged in the 1950s as a major spokesperson for African Americans. He changed his surname to X and became a leader in the Nation of Islam. He initially advocated separatism for blacks in America, but then split from the Nation of Islam and sought to unify all blacks to work with whites and Hispanics to end racial discrimination. He was both a brilliant scholar and a fiery orator whose persuasive and passionate views helped define the debate on race relations.

The stamp was issued on January 20, 1999, in New York, New York. The photograph featured on the stamp was taken by the Associated Press at a press conference in New York City on May 21, 1964. Designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona, the stamps were printed by the Banknote Corporation of America in the offset process.

This stamp is part of the Black Heritage Stamp Series. Initiated in 1978, the USPS continues to issue a stamp featuring a notable Black American every February in conjunction with Black History Month and at other times during the year.

Reference:
Postal Bulletin (December 31, 1998).

Scott Catalogue USA: 3273
mint

Copyright United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.

Museum ID: 2000.2021.33