A New Look at Phillis Wheatley
New commemorative stamp honoring 18th-century poet Phillis Wheatley.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service released the 49th stamp in their “Black Heritage” series to honor 18th-century poet Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley is one of the women featured in my upcoming book, Obstinate Daughters, and researching her far-too-short life was at once inspiring and saddening.
Wheatley’s prolific writings and her interactions with luminaries of the period—George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Hancock, The Countess of Huntingdon—provided a perspective on the concept of American “liberty” in an age of enslavement.
Artist Kerry James Marshall conceived and created this unique black-and-white portrait. Antonio Alcalá served as art director and designer for the stamp. It is a new, refreshing way to envision the history-making poet, and I simply love it.
The David Zwirner gallery, one of the galleries that represents Marshall, shared his vision:
“Phillis Wheatley-Peters, died, aged 31, a free woman of color, facing forward. The image I made for this stamp sought to memorialize her, as such. That is how I chose to commemorate her legacy.”—Kerry James Marshall
Bestselling author Denise Kiernan talks independence and her new book, Obstinate Daughters, on NPR’s “Throughline” podcast.
Denise is on the road and the Obstinate Daughters book tour is underway! Check back to join Denise in the bookstores, in the car, and at the hotel. Nerd-a-licious fun awaits!