James Weldon Johnson Commemorative Stamp

On Feb. 2, 1988, the U.S. Postal Service released a 22-cent commemorative stamp honoring African-American lawyer, lyricist, U.S. diplomat, civil rights activist, novelist, poet, and educator James Weldon Johnson. First day of issue ceremonies were held in Nashville, Tenn. at Fisk University, where Johnson had taught creative literature from 1930 until his death in June 1938. The stamp's issuance came in the 50th anniversary year of Johnson's death, but the release date was moved from June to February to mark Black History Month. It was the eleventh issue in the Postal Service's Black Heritage series.

The stamp shows Johnson along with the beginning of the song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which many consider the black national anthem. This was one of over 200 songs that Johnson and his brother composed in the early 1900s.

For biographical information on Johnson, click here.

Go to Georgia on Stamps page