By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
[email protected]
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on Aug. 28 declined a proposal to issue a Forever Stamp honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only majority Black, all-women Army unit deployed overseas in World War II.
Launched in June by Elizabeth A. Helm-Frazier and her nine-member team, the campaign featured a Change.org petition, outreach to leaders, veterans’ groups, Black media, and descendants, plus a proposal highlighting the 6888th Battalion’s mail-sorting achievements.
“I love stamps and I thought this would be the crown jewel for a unit whose mission was mail,” said Helm-Frazier.
While disappointed, Helm-Frazier said she remains hopeful, noting the USPS left the door open by stating the unit was not recommended “at this time.”
“Each year, The Postal Service receives tens of thousands of suggestions for new stamps,” James McKean, a senior public relations representative for USPS, told the AFRO. “Of those, roughly 25 to 30 topics are selected each year. With a limited number of postage stamps to be issued each year, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) makes every effort to celebrate different aspects of U.S. history and culture.
“CSAC has considered the idea of a stamp issue for the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion,” said McKean. “CSAC has not recommended this idea for commemoration at this time.”
McKean said the idea will be eligible for re-consideration in April 2027.
In addition to signing the Change.org petition, advocates for the stamp are strongly encouraging supporters to write a letter and mail it in to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, requesting the approval of a 6888th Forever Stamp. The only way to reach the committee is a letter via mail, as members of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee do not discuss requests via phone, email, or text. They also do not consider requests made via social media.
The letter should be mailed to the following address:
Stamp Development
ATTN: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501