Nella Larsen – Voices of Harlem – Collection of four stamps.

Arturo Schomburg . Nella Larson . Alain Locke ,  Anne Spemser

Nella Larsen was an African-American writer known for her works on the experiences of black women in the early 20th century. Born in 1891 in Chicago to a Danish mother and West Indian father, Larsen faced challenges throughout her life due to her mixed-race heritage. She worked various jobs, including as a nurse and librarian, before turning to writing in the 1920s.

Larsen published two novels, “Quicksand” (1928) and “Passing” (1929), both of which explore themes of racial identity and the challenges faced by black women. Her works were critically acclaimed for their honest portrayal of the complexities of race and gender in America, but her career was cut short due to controversy over her personal life and political views.

Despite the challenges she faced, Larsen made an important contribution to African-American literature and continues to be studied and appreciated today. In 2021, Larsen was honored with a commemorative postage stamp as part of the United States Postal Service’s “Voices of the Harlem Renaissance” series. The stamp features a portrait of Larsen and a background design inspired by the covers of her two novels.