Founded 1988
" An International Stamp Society, honoring the African Diaspora and African Americans on stamps"
Our 38th Year
Special Second Day Ceremonies with ESPER
CHILDREN'S BOOK CORNER
Here is a selection of books related to the holidays and special days of this month, recommended for your child’s reading pleasure, related stamps are also highlighted.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
THE ABCs of BLACK HISTORY
Rio Cortez, author ~ Lauren Semmer, illustrator
Summary: This is a book that uses the format of the alphabet to explore the elements of Black history. The book includes the heartbreak, creativity, and triumphs of Black Americans as it goes through the events and people that combine to be a part of that history. A list of the terms and figures, frim A to Z, used in the book can be found at the end. Ages 2 – 7 years.
CARTER G. WOODSON (1875 – 1950) ~ Historian and educator who pioneered the research and dissemination of African-American history, initiator of Black History Month.
(Issued: 2/1/84 – Scott # 2073)
VALENTINE’S DAY ~ February 14th
HAIR LOVE
Matthew A. Cherry, author ~ Vashti Harrison, illustrator
Summary: A story of love between a father and his daughter. In this adventure a father tackles his daughter’s hair preparing it for a special day. It tells of the bond between them and the joy that comes when one gets to express their feelings freely. Ages 2 – 7 years
MADAM C. J. WALKER (1867 – 1919) ~ Entrepreneur who developed special hair care products for Black women making her a self-made millionaire. (Issued: 1/22/98 – Scott # 3181)
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
LANGSTON HUGHES ~ February 1st
I, TOO, AM AMERICA
Langston Hughes, author ~ Bryan Collier, illustrator
Summary: : Through the eyes of a Sleeping Car (Pullman) porter, the artist interprets this poem using his breathtaking and compelling illustrations to show how far we have come as a people in realizing a vision of equality. Ages 4 - 8 years
LANGSTON HUGHES (1902 – 1967) ~ Writer known especially for his poetry and for his use of African-American vernacular English, Black cultural references, and Black musical rhythms in his writings. (Issued: 2/1/02 – Scott # 3557)
ROSA PARKS ~ February 4th
ROSA
Nikki Giovanni, author ~ Bryan Collier, illustrator
Summary: It tells how Rosa Parks’ actions sparked the civil rights movement and how her quiet determination changed history. Ages 4 – 8 years
ROSA PARKS (1913 – 2005) ~ Civil Rights Activist who was known as the “First Lady of Civil Rights” and the “Mother of the Freedom Movement.” (Issued: 2/4/13 – Scott # 4742)
HANK AARON ~ February 5th
HANK AARON ~ Brave in Every Way
Ages 5-10 years old
Peter Golenbock, author and Paul Lee, illustrator
Summary: This is the story of how Hank Aaron, who started in the Negro League realized a lifelong dream becoming a great Major League ballplayer and an inspiration to us all. Ages 4 – 7 years
Henry ("HANK") AARON (1934 - 2021) was a major league right fielder and designated hitter. He set a home-run record that lasted for 33 years. (Issued 7/31/24 - Scott # 5908)
FREDERICK DOUGLASS ~ February 14th (born in slavery he chose this date)
WORDS SET ME FREE
Lesa Cline-Ransome, author ~ James E. Ransome, illustrator
Summary: This book tells of a young Frederick Douglas and how through reading he learned that he was able to stand up for himself and others. It tells how Douglass lead a life advocating for equality for all. Ages 5 – 9 years.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS (1818 – 1895) ~ Principal African-American spokesperson, abolitionist, reformer, author, and orator. (Issued 3/9)/24 with Underground Railroad stamps ~ Scott # 5841)
TONI MORRISON ~ February 18th
ON HER WINGS: A Story of Toni Morrison
Jerdine Nolen, author ~ James E. Ransome, illustrator
Summary: This book presents the highlights of the life of Chloe Wofford, who became known as Toni Morrison. It follows her from avid listener to being an avid reader. The book tells of how Morrison developed her craft and when she could not find stories about people like her, she wrote them.
An interesting feature of the book is the “floating” lines of prose above the written text, which gives the reader a feeling of the spirit of Ms. Morrison.
TONI MORRISON (1931 – 2019) Novelist who won national attention with Song of Solomon (1977) and the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved (1987). (Issued: 3/7/23 ~ Scott # 5757)
JOHN LEWIS ~ February 21st
FIGHTING WITH LOVE: The Legacy of John Lewis
Lesa Cline-Ransome, author ~ James E. Ransome, illustrator
Summary: This book tells of the foundation of love Lewis received as a child. It tells how his faith kept him strong, and it tells of his experiences while being an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement.
JOHN LEWIS (1940 – 2020) ~ Lewis was active in several non-violent events and the victim of arrests. (Issued: 7/21/23 ~ Scott # 5801)
BARABRA JORDAN ~ February 21st
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A VOICE LIKE THAT?
Chris Barton, author ~ Ekua Holmes, illustrator
Summary: From a child Barbara Jordan was proud of her voice and she spoke every chance she could reciting poetry at church, memorizing speeches for school, and entering oratory contests. When she got involved with politics, Jordan found a satisfying use for her voice.
The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
BARBARA JORDAN (1936 – 1996) ~ Senator and orator; one of the most respected and influential politicians of the 20th century. A staunch advocate for equal rights for all Americans. (Issued 9/16/11 – Scott # 4565)
MARIAN ANDERSON ~ February 27th
WHEN MARIAN SANG
Pam Munoz Ryan, author ~ Brian Selznick, illustrator
Summary: An introduction to the life of extraordinary singer Marian Anderson, whose life, and career encouraged social change. Anderson is best known for her concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 which drew a crowd of 75,000 people in pre-Civil Rights Movement America
MARIAN ANDERSON (1897 – 1993) ~ Singer who was the first African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC. (Issued: 1/27/05 – Scott # 3896)
December 2025
January 2026