USPS unveils 47th Black Heritage Stamp honoring civil rights activist and New Haven native

Feb 2, 2024, 3:01 PM

New Haven’s Constance Baker Motley is now on the USPS 47th Black Heritage Stamp. (WFSB)

(WFSB)

KSLTV.com

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (WFSB) — It is the first day of Black History Month, and New Haven is honoring one of their own.

New Haven’s Constance Baker Motley is now on the USPS 47th Black Heritage Stamp.

The Greater New Haven NAACP and the United States Postal Service hosted the unveiling ceremony Tuesday night.

“How proud we are that one of our very own has reached just such incredible stature,” said Mayor Justin Elicker, (D), New Haven.

Born and raised in the Elm City, Motley attended Hill House High School and later became a federal judge and the first African American woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Because of her, doors are open. Things in the landscape of our country changed so we want to celebrate her. We want people to remember her impact,” said Dori Dumas, President, Greater New Haven NAACP.

The Postal Service today unveiled the Constance Baker Motley Commemorative Stamp, the 47th honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series. Governor Anton Hajjar, Member, USPS Board of Governors, was the dedicating official. Learn more https://t.co/hzSLvAz4Mh pic.twitter.com/wMS3wrUkO0

— U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) January 31, 2024

Motley was a pioneer, trailblazer, and civil rights activist.

“I remember as a kid when we would have family gatherings knowing that she was a really important person, but I didn’t get the full depth of it until I was an adult,” said Fhalla Flemming, great-niece of Constance Baker Motley. “As an educator myself, for my entire career I’ve really drawn a lot of inspiration from the civil rights fights that she undertook.”

Family members showed their support.

“She just showed me the kind of person I want to be in this world and how I can contribute to the world in that way,” said Zuri Flemming, great-niece of Constance Baker Motley.

When you’re sending mail, her picture will be there symbolizing her accomplishments.

“People might not know who she is, but hopefully, they’ll google her and understand just how significant her accomplishments were,” said Dumas.

Equality & Diversity

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks during a news conference at the Capitol on February 1, 2023. (Alex W...

Betsy Klein, CNN

Gillibrand makes a last-minute White House push for women’s rights constitutional amendment

Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is making an all-out push in the waning days of the Biden administration that she believes could bolster reproductive rights, calling on the president to certify the Equal Rights Amendment and enshrine its protections into the Constitution.

1 month ago

'Women of the World' held its 14th annual celebration of refugee women's achievements on Saturday, ...

Carlysle Price

‘Women of the World’ celebration honors refugee women’s achievements

'Women of the World' held its 14th annual celebration Saturday to recognize refugee women and all they've achieved.

2 months ago

Daniella Rivera

Addressing violence against Indigenous people in Utah

November is Native American and Alaska Native Heritage month. From the Utah State Capitol to a tattoo studio in Midvale, Utahns are working to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous people.

2 months ago

President Joe Biden speaks at the Gila Crossing Community School in the Gila River Indian Community...

Michael Williams, CNN

Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools

President Joe Biden has done something that no other sitting U.S. president has: He apologized for the systemic abuse generations of Indigenous children endured at the hands of the federal government.

3 months ago

A visitor passes by photographs recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day at the University of Utah's A. R...

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Indigenous Peoples Day events planned to put focus on Native American community

In planning the first Indigenous Peoples Day event in Millcreek, set for Monday, officials in the locale aimed to put the spotlight on the first people to inhabit the state.

3 months ago