PIONEERING FILMMAKER IMMORTALIZED ON POSTAGE
 |
The Postal Service yesterday issued a commemorative stamp honoring film director, screenwriter, producer and distributor Oscar Micheaux during ceremonies in Miller Auditorium at Columbia University in New York City.
Micheaux’s unique storytelling ability shattered stereotypes and challenged film audiences with realistic representations of African Americans through more than 40 feature films. He becomes the 33rd person honored in the popular Black Heritage commemorative stamp series.
“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. “His films not only entertained, they left audiences with a sense of encouragement, hope and inspiration.”
The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, features a stylized portrait of 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.
