February - smack in the middle of the doldrums of winter - was once a prime month for coin and stamp collectors. That’s because, with freezing temps outside, it’s the ideal time to stay in and sort collectibles in books or albums.
It’s anything but a trivial month. There’s Groundhog Day on the second; that’s when we pretend to know how much longer the doldrums will last. Then, there’s Valentine’s Day when we profess love for someone we have or wish for.
After that is President’s Day – an amalgam of Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 and Washington’s birthday on February 22.
Most such observances were often once commemorated on stamps. Some still are. It’s just hard to know since the US Postal Service began all but ignoring the issuance of stamps and the First Day of Issue ceremonies collectors once flocked to. Even so, a major annual February event still takes place and is observed on circulating stamps. It’s National Black History Month. 2026 is particularly significant as it marks the 100th anniversary of the month’s creation....
For this year, the USPS is issuing several stamps saluting it. One notes a Black American of renown that became known and celebrated worldwide. The other is a woman who remained under-the-radar of most Americans despite her early trials and subsequent accomplishments.
The first, issued last week, commemorates a man who, to many including himself, was considered “the greatest,” Muhammad Ali. Born Cassius Clay in 1942, his boxing prowess was eclipsed only by his showmanship and style. Ali became the three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
Professionally, it began in 1964 when underdog Clay was slated to fight reigning champ Sonny Liston. Pre-fight, he taunted Liston pronouncing he would “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He did. Afterward, he declared, “I am the greatest!” He never stopped.
After the fight, Clay announced his conversion to the religion of Islam. That’s when he was given the name, Muhammad Ali. The rest is history. He defended his title eight more times.
His accomplishments are almost too long to list. In the end, he was a cultural icon recognized around the world. He even earned two spoken-word Grammy nominations and starred on Broadway, on TV, and appeared in movies.
Even though stricken with Parkinson’s disease, at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he made a surprise appearance during the opening ceremonies as he lit the Olympic torch to deafening cheers.
Prophetically he once amusingly proclaimed, “I belong on a postage stamp because that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” Now he is, albeit a peel-and-stick type of stamp
The new “Forever” stamp features a classic black-and-white photo of the champ in boxing stance below his name “ALI.” It’s now available at post offices in sheets of 20.
The Wheatley family took it upon themselves to educate her, particularly in writing. As the Revolution approached and Boston descended into discord, Wheatly created a compendium of writings she had done. Recognizing her talent, in 1773, the Wheatley family helped her publish her first book entitled, “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.”
She was freed from slavery that same year and became a recognized literary figure by many including General George Washington. Washington and Wheatley even began corresponding with each other.
Though living only until 1784, Wheatley’s legacy continued to the Civil War when abolitionists used her writings to prove the intellect of people of African descent. She eventually earned the title of, “Mother of African Literature.”
Many don’t realize or immediately recognize why but numerous schools, libraries and university buildings are named for Wheatley. She has become an inspiration for children and scholars. A statue for her was dedicated at the Boston Women’s Memorial and a full-length biography was published in 2011 recognizing her resilience to adversity.
The new First Class “Forever” stamp due to be released on January 29, features a portrait Wheatley writing with a quill pen. The image is done in a scratch-engraved style adding to the subject’s flavor. It is the 49th in the ongoing Black Heritage series.
First Day of Issue cancels of both the Muhammed Ali and Phillis Wheatley stamp can be obtained directly from the USPS by logging onto: www.USPS.gov under the “Collectors” tab.
For more collecting stories and advice, log on to: http://prexford.com/.