USPS Celebrates Lowrider Culture with New Stamp Series
U.S. Postal Service Commemorates Lowrider Culture with New Stamp Series
LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Postal Service is making history by honoring the artistry of lowrider culture with a new series of commemorative stamps. Unveiled in San Diego, the collection celebrates a vibrant tradition that began in the working-class Mexican American communities during the 1940s.
The stamp series features five iconic vehicles: a 1946 Chevy Fleetline, three classic Chevrolet Impalas—including the renowned "El Rey," which is currently housed at the Smithsonian—and a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The stamps are designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá and incorporate authentic pinstriping by illustrator Danny Alvarado, based on the professional photography of Humberto "Beto" Mendoza.
“The postage stamps are supposed to represent the best of America,” Alcalá noted. “They’re kind of a way that the United States signals to the rest of the world these are things that we find important about our people, our accomplishments, our culture.”
This release marks a significant federal recognition for a culture that has traversed from Southwestern barrios to a global stage. Roberto Hernández, founder of the San Francisco Lowrider Council, remarked on the timing of the announcement, expressing his sentiments: “With this unveiling, I feel like we got the final stamp of approval as lowriders.”
For photographer Beto Mendoza, the acknowledgment resonates on a personal level. “We’re usually outcasted, you know, so them acknowledging us in this community is historic. We feel accepted now,” he shared.
The stamps are set to be available at post offices nationwide following their launch in San Diego. As lowrider culture continues to gain mainstream respect, advocates in various states are looking to California’s legislative lead in protecting cruising rights. The culture’s global reach is evident, with car clubs active in countries as diverse as Japan, Australia, and Hungary.
