On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., for the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. At the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his immortal speech, “I Have a Dream.”

With words that still echo through history, King painted a vision of racial equality, justice, and unity. His speech became one of the defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement and helped inspire the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

King’s dream was bold yet simple: that people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

🧠 Why the Speech Still Matters

Dr. King’s message was more than poetry—it was a call to action.

• It challenged America to confront its history of racial injustice.

• It gave hope to millions who had been denied their civil rights.

• It inspired movements for equality and justice around the world.

Nearly 60 years later, “I Have a Dream” remains a timeless reminder of the work still ahead—and the power of words to change hearts, minds, and laws.

💌 A Stamp Worth Collecting

In 1979, the USPS honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a 15¢ Black Heritage stamp (Scott 1771), the second in the long-running series. The design features King’s portrait with a crowd of marchers behind him, evoking his leadership during the March on Washington.

For collectors, this stamp is significant because it:

• Honors one of the most important figures in American history.

• Marks the early years of the USPS Black Heritage series.

• Symbolizes the fight for justice, equality, and peace.

It’s not just a stamp—it’s a piece of living history.