PITTSBURGH – In celebration of Black History Month, Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, and the Pittsburgh District of the United States Postal Service will host a special unveiling of the newly released “Civil Rights Pioneers” commemorative stamps at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23 at Carnegie Mellon – Hunt Library, Maggie Murph Cafe.

The commemorative stamp set pays homage to the sacrifices of 12 Civil Rights Pioneers on the 100th anniversary of the formation of the NAACP. The stamp honorees played a vital role in supporting the mission of the NAACP. Each pane, of the six stamps in the set, features two celebrated civil rights pioneers’ images.

Pittsburgh Postmaster Jim Johnston II will join CMU officials in unveiling the Medgar Evers/Fannie Lou Hamer stamp to the public. "The Postal Service is proud to unveil the Civil Rights Pioneers stamps as part of Carnegie Mellon’s Black History Month program,” said Pittsburgh Postmaster Jim Johnston II.

Who:
Pittsburgh Postmaster Jim Johnston II along with Carnegie Mellon Officials.

What:
Unveiling of Medgar Evers/Fannie Lou Hamer stamp as part of Black History Month celebration at Carnegie Melon. The Civil Rights Pioneers stamps will be on sale at the event.

When:
Monday, February 23, 2009
Civil Rights Pioneers stamp unveiling will take place promptly at 4:30 p.m.

Where:
Carnegie Mellon – Hunt Library
Maggie Murph Cafe
4909 Frew Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Why:
The Postal Service commemorative stamp program is proud to honor pioneers in the historic fight for political, educational, social and economic equality, including life-long struggles to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The USPS began issuing its Black Heritage stamp series in 1978 with a stamp honoring Harriet Tubman, followed by a long list of legendary African-American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, entertainers and athletes, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Ella Fitzgerald, Charles W. Chesnutt and Jackie Robinson.

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