The U. S. Postal Service will unveil the new Richard Allen Black Heritage stamp as part of a special program, Let’s Make History Together at the Goodwill African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, at 2 p.m.  Darryl Martin, District Manager of the Greater South Carolina District of the Postal Service and Reverend Doctor Juenarrl Keith, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Pleasant AME District, will serve as dedicating officials.  Keynote speaker is Damon Fordham, Professor of African American History and Culture, at the College of Charleston Avery Research Center.  

According to accepted oral history, Greater Goodwill AME Church, 2818 N Highway 17 North, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 is one of the oldest AME churches in lowcountry South Carolina, dating to 1836.  31 churches from the Mt. Pleasant AME District are invited to this special program, which precedes the 4 p.m. worship service.  The public is welcome to attend.

The 39th stamp of the Black Heritage Series recognizes preacher, activist and civic leader Richard Allen for his inspirational life and profound contribution to American history.  It coincides with the 200th anniversary of Allen’s founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, considered one of the most important institutions in African American life, and Allen’s election and consecration as A.M.E.’s first bishop.

“We’re delighted to join with the congregants of the Mt. Pleasant AME District to celebrate the life of Richard Allen,” said Greater South Carolina Postal District Manager, Darryl Martin.  “Like other historic figures in the Black Heritage Series, he represents a unique and important contribution to American history.”

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