Oregon 250 Resolution hero becomes 2026 postage stamp

By Jason Williams
Oregon 250 Resolution,
Williams is a writer, researcher and founder of Taxpayers Association of Oregon.

When the Oregon 250 Resolution to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday was born, the team decided to highlight and focus on three American heroes — George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Phillis Wheatley.

They were featured on the 250 Resolution itself, on the website and on our banner.

Just this year, the U.S. Postal Service has honored her with her own postage stamp.  This is exciting!

Read below to hear her story:

As a teen African American girl, Phillis Wheatley wrote a poem about the tragedy of the Boston Massacre, which she experienced just outside her home. Her poem became widely popular and courageous, as it was considered a treasonous act to speak against the King and to support independence.

“In heavens eternal court it was decreed
How the first martyr for the cause should bleed
To clear the country of the hated brood
He whet his courage for the common good”

— From Wheatley’s poem, “On The Death of Mr. Snider Murder’d By Richardson”

Phillis Wheatley’s patriotic poetry was so popular that it was sold in Europe. Thomas Paine included her work in his publication The Pennsylvania Gazette.  Thomas Paine’s books and newspaper were the most prominent voices for the Revolutionary War.

“In every human breast, God has implanted
a principle, which we call Love of Freedom;
it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for
Deliverance.”

— 1774 letter written by Phillis Wheatley

Wheatly wrote inspiring poems about General George Washington and the Colonial Army.  Washington took time during the war to meet with her in person to personally thank her for her contribution to the war effort.

“Shall I to Washington their praise recite?
Enough thou know’st them in the fields of fight.
Thee, first in peace and honours,—we demand
The grace and glory of thy martial band.”

— Phillis Wheatley’s poem “To His Excellency, General Washington”

.

Phillis Wheatley began her life as a slave, but her first try at poetry as a teen girl was so powerful and popular, that her slave holder soon released her and kept her in the family.   In a way … her own words set herself free.   Ponder on that.

As we speak there are people calling to boycott Independence Day and erase our incredible history.   Do not erase, do not forget, do not be quiet, but instead take a stand for our amazing founding patriots by sharing these stories on Independence Day.