Oscar Micheaux, film director, screenwriter, producer and distributor of over 40 feature films,  was immortalized on a U.S. postage stamp late June, taking his place as the 33rd person honored in the popular Black Heritage commemorative stamp series.

Micheaux’s unique storytelling ability shattered stereotypes and challenged film audiences with realistic representations of African-Americans. The stamp was dedicated at a ceremony in Miller Auditorium at Columbia University.

“Oscar Micheaux was a transformational filmmaker and gifted storyteller with an uncompromising technique that embraced honest depictions of African-Americans,” said Delores Killette, vice president and Consumer Advocate for the U.S. Postal Service. “His films not only entertained, they left audiences with a sense of encouragement, hope and inspiration.

The stamp is designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, and features a stylized portrait of Oscar Micheaux by artist Gary Kelly of Cedar Falls, IA. The artwork is based on one of the few surviving photographs of Micheaux, a portrait that appeared in his 1913 novel The Conquest

 In 1978, the U.S. Postal Service began the Black Heritage stamp series with the issuance of the Harriett Tubman commemorative stamp. The Postal Service remains committed to this popular stamp series, which helps educate Americans on the achievements and contributions of noted African-American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and sports figures.

Posted by The Cotillion Online on Jul 5 2010. Filed under Announcements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.