The Postal Service will release its newest stamp celebrating the pan-African holiday of Kwanzaa on Oct. 13.
Kwanzaa is a weeklong observance that begins Dec. 26 and runs through Jan. 1. This year’s stamp features the images of a girl and boy facing a kinara, a seven-stem candelabra that represents the holiday’s seven founding principles, or “Nguzo Saba” in Swahili.
These are unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani).
The children are dressed in robes akin to spiritual garments and face outward with serious expressions. A light blue circle in the background represents unification and wholeness.
Erin Robinson created the original artwork. Antonio Alcalá served as designer and art director.
The Kwanzaa Forever stamps will always be equal to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. They are being issued in panes of 20 and will be available at Post Offices and at usps.com/shopstamps.