New US stamp to be released tomorrow

On June 22, 2010, the U.S. Postal Service will the 44-cent commemorative Oscar Micheaux stamp.

This is the 33rd stamp in the Black Heritage series, and it honors pioneering filmmaker Micheaux, who wrote, directed, produced and distributed more than 40 movies during the first half of the 20th century. According to the USPS, Micheaux was an ambitious, larger-than-life figure who thrived at a time when African-American filmmakers were rare, venues for their work were scarce, and support from the industry did not exist. Micheaux's entrepreneurial spirit and independent vision continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.

The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C., features a stylized portrait of Oscar Micheaux by artist Gary Kelley, Cedar Falls, Iowa. The artwork is based on one of the few surviving photographs of Micheaux, a portrait that appeared in his 1913 novel, "The Conquest."
 
Collectors may order a ceremony program online at www.usps.com for $6.95. Additionally, the Oscar Micheaux Cultural Diary page is available for $13.95. The page goes in the Black Heritage Cultural Diary, which also is available online.