It is still not known whether the first black man came to the United States in 1526 as a Spanish slave or in 1619 on a Dutch Man-of War. What is clear is that the Black American has risen from the bonds of slavery to contribute to the growth of the United States in many spheres, from science to sports. His contribution to peace has been in his service in war: about 5,000 served in the Continental Army, some 200,000 in the Union Army, 367,000 in World War I, and more than a million in World War II.

The following stories, as found in stamps, will describe some extraordinary achievements of black men and women.

Just behind the man at the bow of the boat, that is kicking and prodding a small iceberg out of the way, sits a rowing black man, who is part of George Washington's Army as he crossed the Delaware River. The crossing occurred on Christmas 1776 and enabled Washington's men to surprise the Hessian troops in their winter quarters. The ensuing battles of Princeton and Trenton turned the tide of the war. This Emmanuel Leutze/Eastman Johnson painting seems to state that blacks were actively involved in the start of our nation.

This souvenir sheet is one of four that were issued on May 29,1976 to celebrate the American Bicentennial.