ROANOKE, VA — The Appalachian District invites our postal customers to participate in activities at the Postal Service’s celebration of Black History Month. This celebration is meant to honor, preserve, and highlight the immeasurable contributions of African Americans to U.S. History. The event will be held on Sunday, February 12, 20175, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the auditorium at the William Fleming High School – 3649 Ferncliff Avenue NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.

Guest speakers, music and dancing will be on tap and the Dorothy Height U.S. Postage Stamp will be featured.  Height was a civil and women’s rights activist who committed her life to fighting for racial and gender equality. Height is the 40th addition to the Black Heritage stamp series. The Dorothy Height stamps will be available for purchase at the event.

Ten African-American postal employees from the Roanoke area and surrounding vicinities will be formally installed as Postmasters.

It is the hope of event organizers participants will walk away with an elevated knowledge and understanding of the history and efforts of African Americans and how their contributions have paved the way for current generations, as well as for generations to come.  Understanding cultures in a historic aspect can lead to a better appreciation of where/why a culture stands in current day.

The public is invited to celebrate African-American history with stamps. It's an educational way to learn about historic people, places and events honored on U.S. postage stamps each year.

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