Proposal Submitted to USPS to Honor Ameen Rihani with Commemorative Stamp

posted on: Nov 17, 2025

By Ralph I. Hage/Arab America Contributing Writer

A formal proposal has been submitted to the United States Postal Service (USPS) requesting the issuance of a commemorative stamp in honor of Ameen Rihani, the Lebanese-American writer, thinker, and diplomat widely regarded as a foundational figure in Arab-American literature.

The proposal, submitted by Ralph Hage, highlights Rihani’s pioneering role as a cultural bridge between East and West. As one of the first Arab authors to write in English and to gain literary recognition in the West, Rihani’s contributions laid the groundwork for generations of Arab-American voices. His 1911 novel The Book of Khalid is considered the first English-language novel by an Arab-American and remains a seminal text in diasporic literature.

The proposed stamp would serve not only as a tribute to Rihani’s literary and intellectual legacy but also as a recognition of the deep and enduring contributions of Arab Americans to the cultural and civic fabric of the United States. It would further spotlight Lebanon’s cultural heritage and the long-standing relationship between the Lebanese diaspora and American society.

Stamp proposals are reviewed by the USPS Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, and the process typically takes several years. Updates will be shared publicly if the proposal advances to further stages of consideration.

Ralph Hage is a Lebanese American architect and writer who spends his time between Lebanon and the United States. His work explores the intersections of art, architecture, and cultural heritage in Lebanon and across the Arab World.

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