Announced October 23, 2023:

The 47th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Constance Baker Motley (1921–2005), the first African American woman known to have argued a case before the United States Supreme Court and the first to serve as a federal judge. The stamp features a portrait of Motley created by Charly Palmer. The stenciled circular shapes create a subtle crowning effect, and the heavy brushstrokes and scratches add texture to the acrylic-on-canvas work. Stenciled curlicues embellish the lower background and continue onto Motley’s black dress. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

Further information will be posted below the line, with the newest information at the top.

Updated March 2^nd:
The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 5830.

Updated December 30^th:
Here are the first-day postmarks for this issue:The Digital Color Postmark for this issue measures 2.39″ x 1.25″ The Pictorial Postmark for this issue measures 2.44″ x 1.25″

Updated December 22^nd:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
USPS Celebrates Judiciary Trailblazer Constance Baker Motley With 47th Black Heritage Stamp

What: The 47th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Constance Baker Motley (1921-2005), civil rights pioneer and the first African American woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court and the first to serve as a federal judge.

The dedication ceremony for this Forever stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #ConstanceBakerMotley and #BlackHeritageStamps.

Who: The Honorable Anton Hajjar, member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors

When: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, at 11 a.m. EST

Where:
Constance Baker Motley Recreation Center
348 E. 54th St
New York, NY 10022

RSVP: Attendees are encouraged to register at: usps.com/constancebakermotley.

Background: Constance Baker Motley started her career in 1945 when she began working for the future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

From 1945 to 1965, Motley worked on about 60 cases that reached the Supreme Court. She won nine of the 10 cases she argued before the Court.

In 1966, Motley was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York — the largest and busiest federal trial court in the country. She rose to chief judge in 1982 and senior judge in 1986.

The stamp features a portrait of Motley by artist Charly Palmer, based on an Associated Press photograph. Rendered in acrylic on canvas work, the portrait displays elements of Palmer’s signature style. The stenciled circular shapes around the head suggest royalty, and the heavy brushstrokes and scratches provide added textures. Stenciled curlicues embellish the lower background and continue onto Motley’s black dress. Her colorful corsage and a brooch further enliven the image.

The Constance Baker Motley stamp will be issued in panes of 20. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Updated November 30^th:
This stamp will be issued Wednesday, January 31, in New York City.