By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
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.
“Because of the length of time required to develop stamp designs, clear all legal matters, and produce and distribute stamps, the postal service works on its stamp programs two to three years in advance,” said McKean.
In recent years, thanks to advocates like Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings and Helm-Frazier, the 6888th Battalion has received tributes, including monuments, a Netflix film, renamed post offices, state commemorations and even the Congressional Gold Medal on April 29.
“After the ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal was over, I started moving in the direction of getting a stamp,” said Helm-Frazier.
The team first met in June, creating a petition and reaching out to governors, congressional representatives, descendants and Black media, including AFRO News, to build support for the initiative. As of Sept. 10, the Change.org petition had 4,762 signatures. Helm-Frazier said their goal is to get as many signatures as possible and spread the initiative nationwide.
Helm-Frazier said she holds onto the phrase “this time” in the letter.
“I was a little bit disappointed, but I have to keep focused on the mission,” said Helm-Frazier. “The door is not closed.”
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 Citizen’s 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 Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee do not discuss requests via phone, email or text. They also do not consider requests made via social media.
To send a written letter in support of the 6888th Forever Stamp, please address it to the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee, with the subject listed as “Letter of Support to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. 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
Organizers of the effort are also asking that a copy of any written letters in support of the 6888th Stamp Project also be emailed to the6888stampproject@gmail.com, so a copy of the letter can be filed.