Constance Baker Motley Stamps
Forever 78¢ | Sheet Stamp Format

The 47th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors civil rights pioneer 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. A brilliant legal strategist, Motley played a key role in knocking down legal segregation and served as a role model and mentor for those who followed in her footsteps.

The stamp features a portrait of Motley by Charly Palmer based on a photograph from the Associated Press. Rendered in acrylic on canvas, it 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 brighten the portrait.

The Constance Baker Motley stamp is being issued as a Forever® stamp. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price.

Stamp Issuance:
January 31, 2024
New York, NY 10199

Made in the USA