Create and send radical postcards to other Black folks.
Practice collective care and creativity while delivering snail mail joy.
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Postcards for the People is back for Black August, a month in which we remember and resist in honor of Black freedom fighters and political prisoners, and re-commit to the global Black struggle against racial, colonial, and imperialist subjugation.
As ever, we invite your Black radical postcards! Whether you are a seasoned maker of mail art or a newbie, we'd love for you to create and exchange with us. Black people located in anywhere in the world are welcome to participate.
Postcards for the People has no entry fee, but Black Unicorn Library and Archive Project is our Black August beneficiary if you feel called to donate. (Completely optional!) "Study" is one of the four pillars of this revolutionary month, after all. This grassroots love-powered organization is dedicated to Black literacy and liberation, with a history of moving in solidarity with abolitionist initiatives. Donate here. May we all be free!
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NEWS
Read about the inspiring project in an article by Jonece Starr Dunigan,
"As social media declines, ‘Postcards for the People’ sends collective healing in the mail."
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What is the standard size of a postcard in the U.S.?
Rectangular | At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
and no more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick
Visit USPS (United States Postal Service) for more information.
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How much does it *cost to mail a postcard via USPS (United States Postal Service)? If your postcard is standard-sized, you may use a $0.65 postcard stamp to mail to a U.S. address.
If your postcard is larger than standard, delicate, or bulky, you will need different postage
or special handling by a USPS postal worker. Depending on the art materials
used, you may also need to place your postcard in an envelope.
When in doubt, visit your local U.S. Post Office and ask.
*Note: You may be matched with an international participant. International stamps
for postcards are $1.75. Click here to find more info from USPS.
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How do I create a postcard? For the base of your postcard, consider using (a) cardstock or file folders, (b) two index cards glued together for strength, (c) cereal/cracker box or chipboard,
(d) mixed-media paper or bristol board, (e) flat stationery cards,
(f) Strathmore mixed media postcards, or (g) Strathmore watercolor postcards.
For inspiration, use Instagram, Google, or Pinterest and enter "DIY Postcards."
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What art supplies should I use?
* colored pencils * markers * crayons * gel pens
* glue sticks *matte medium
* paper for collage (magazines, handmade paper, decorative paper, wrapping paper, etc.)
* see the FREE download of public domain images above *
* watercolors * acrylic (paint, ink, paint pens)
*embroidery floss, thread, fabric, etc. for fabric postcards
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When is the sign up deadline? August 16, 2026
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By when do I have to mail my postcards? September 16, 2026
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Who are Almah Creative and The Beat of Blossoms? We are Black creatives
based in the United States. Click each name to learn more.
For additional help with the postcard project, email us at BlackPostcards @ proton.me.
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Why is this swap for Black folks only? We value affinity spaces for people with shared identities
to provide unique opportunities for truth, unity, fellowship, and healing.
This specific postcard swap is an affinity space.
It will allow individuals of African-descent the space to practice collective care,
creativity, liberation, love, and joy together through snail mail.