Throughout American history, the U.S. Postal Service has honored individuals whose contributions have shaped the nation and left an enduring legacy. While the late actress/comedienne Betty White was a beloved entertainer the case for honoring golfing legend John Shippen on a U.S. postage stamp far more compelling due to his groundbreaking impact on American sports and racial barriers. White is going to be honored on March 27 with the release of her portrait on a Commemorative U.S Forever Stamp, announced the U.S. Postal Service.
John Matthew Shippen, Jr. was not only the first American-born golf professional but also the first African American to play in the U.S. Open Golf Tournament in 1896. At a time when segregation and racial barriers were deeply entrenched in society, Shippen courageously competed in a sport dominated by white elites, paving the way for future generations of diverse golfers. His participation in the U.S. Open—where he finished tied for fifth—was a significant moment in sports history, breaking racial barriers long before the Civil Rights Movement.
Shippen dedicated his life to golf, serving as a professional at multiple clubs, most notably the Shady Rest Golf Course in New Jersey, the first African American-owned country club, where he worked from 1924 to 1960. A true entrepreneur, he also crafted and sold his own golf clubs, stamped with the signature “J.M. Shippen.” His legacy extends beyond the fairways, as his resilience and excellence continue to inspire African American athletes who seek to break barriers in professional sports. “It is mysterious to me as to why so many others are being honored on a U.S. Postage Stamp while golfing legend John Shippen waits in the shadows,” said Debert Cook, publisher of AAGD.
Since 2015, the John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation has been leading a dedicated campaign to secure a U.S. Heritage or Commemorative Stamp in Shippen’s honor. This initiative, led by Ruby and Thurman Simmons, has sought to ensure that Shippen’s legacy is recognized at a national level. The Simmons couple, married for over 62 years, has spent more than three decades preserving Shippen’s story and fighting for his rightful place in history.
“The tribute stamp would be an inspiration to students, educators, and the golf community throughout the world,” Thurman Simmons said in a 2021 interview with this publication. “There’s never been any golfer, Black or otherwise, that has had a U.S. postage stamp. I also believe that it would be a great selling stamp all around the world.”
The case for Shippen’s recognition is further strengthened by the United States Postal Service’s 2020 decision to honor Arnold Palmer with a commemorative stamp in 2020, citing his role in making golf accessible to the masses. If Palmer, a beloved golfer, can receive this national honor, it is only fitting that Shippen—who broke racial barriers and was the first American-born professional golfer—receives the same distinction.
Shippen’s legacy aligns with the ideals of perseverance, excellence, and breaking racial barriers—values echoed in the words of Frederick Douglass, who once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Shippen’s struggle against racism and exclusion laid the foundation for the inclusion of African Americans in professional golf, making his achievements truly historic.
Honoring John Shippen with a U.S. postage stamp would not only celebrate his contributions to golf but also serve as an enduring tribute to his role in American history. It is time for the nation to recognize this trailblazer and ensure that his legacy is cemented alongside other sports greats.
