COLUMBIA, S.C., Thursday, August 29 – The United States Postal Service, the South Carolina State Museum and the United States Tennis Association, South Carolina (USTASC) invite members of the media to the 36th Black Heritage commemorative stamp unveiling event to honor South Carolina native and ground-breaking tennis player, Althea Gibson.
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WHO: |
The U.S. Postal Service, S.C. State Museum and the USTASC |
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WHAT: |
At the event, Gibson’s family will be honored with the unveiling of the 36th Black Heritage stamp. The keynote will be given by South Carolina and Sixth-District Congressman, Jim Clyburn. Other speakers will include, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Delores Shearin-Lyle, Greater SC Postal District Manager, William Calloway, Executive Director, S.C. State Museum, Al Marshall, President, USTASC. Gibson’s cousin, Mary Washington-Anderson and Don Felder, Althea’s second cousin, will unveil a print enlargement of the stamp. 30 of Gibson’s relatives who reside in Richland, Clarendon and Florence Counties, as well as New Jersey and Virginia will be present. An exhibit of unique memorabilia loaned or donated to the State Museum, will be displayed, including a portrait and tour jacket from the USTASC Hall of Fame, Gibson’s Olympics judge’s blazer, original national magazines that featured Gibson on the cover, personal photos and other items. The State Museum will exhibit these artifacts for the public until Sept. 29.
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WHEN: |
2 p.m., Friday, August 30 |
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WHERE: |
S.C. State Museum, Palmetto Gallery, 4th Floor, |
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WHY: |
To honor and celebrate Silver, S.C. native, Althea Gibson, who earned 35 major tennis titles and is featured on the 36th Black Heritage commemorative stamp. In 1956, Gibson became the first African American to win a grand slam with her victory at the French Open. She went on to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. It was 43 years before her feats were duplicated. She also was the first African American to receive a Ladies Professional Golf Association card in 1964. |
A special commemorative pictorial cancellation (right), as seen in Linn’s Stamp News and the Postal Bulletin, will be available for items bearing First-Class postage.###
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