H.R. 7441: Bayard Rustin Stamp Act

This bill, known as the Bayard Rustin Stamp Act, aims to honor the contributions of Bayard Rustin, a prominent leader in the civil rights movement, by directing the Postmaster General to create and issue a "forever stamp" featuring his image. Forever stamps are specific types of postage stamps that are valid for first-class mail regardless of future price increases. The key aspects of the bill are as follows:

1. Short Title

The bill may be referred to as the "Bayard Rustin Stamp Act."

2. Findings

Congress recognizes several important facts about Bayard Rustin:

• He was born on March 17, 1912, and grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
• Rustin was influenced by the Quaker faith of his grandparents, which instilled in him values of nonviolence and peace.
• He attended City College of New York and became active in social issues, eventually joining the Fellowship of Reconciliation, which advocated for labor rights and peace.
• Rustin was a key figure in the 1947 "Journey to Reconciliation," which helped challenge segregation laws.
• He served as an advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr., promoting nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement.
• Rustin was the chief organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, the largest civil rights demonstration at that time.
• After the civil rights movement, he became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
• He co-founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute to support Black trade union members.
• Throughout his life, Rustin remained committed to promoting social justice until his death in 1987.

3. Bayard Rustin Stamp

a. In General

The bill mandates that the Postmaster General shall issue a forever stamp portraying Bayard Rustin to honor his legacy and contributions.

b. Definition of Forever Stamp

For this bill, a "forever stamp" is defined as:

• A stamp that meets the postage requirement for first-class mail weighing up to one ounce.
• A stamp that remains valid for first-class mail even if postage rates increase in the future.

c. Effective Date

The new stamp is to be issued as soon as possible after the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies

None found.