Georg Olden Becomes First African American to Design Postage Stamp in 1963

The U.S. postage stamps became tradition starting in 1847, with the depiction of George Washington on a 10 cent stamp.

Ever since, it evolved into the commemoration of all aspects in American life. Booker T. Washington became the first African American commemorated on a stamp in April 1940.

Then on this day in 1963, a special stamp went on sale celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was designed by Georg Elliott Olden, who was the first African American to design a U.S. postage stamp. President John F. Kennedy said during the unveiling at the White House, that the stamps were a “reminder of the extraordinary actions in the past as well as the business of the future.”

Olden was also one of the first African American artists to work in television as the art director for CBS and he received seven Clio Awards for recognizing innovation and excellence in communications.

In 1978, the U.S. Postal Service initiated the Black Heritage series to recognize the history and achievements of African Americans. The memorable stamps include Harriet Tubman in 1978, Sojourner Truth in 1986 and Malcolm X in 1999.

All this and more on “Black News Tonight.”

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