What:

The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating Gregory Hines, whose unique style of tap dancing injected new artistry and excitement into a traditional American form. This year, the legendary dancer is the 42nd stamp honoree in the Black Heritage series, and a stamp will be unveiled in his honor.

Where:

George Washington High School
2215 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46222

When:

Tuesday, February 26, 2019, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Who:

Greater Indiana District Manager Todd Hawkins, Indianapolis Postmaster Christi Johnson-Kennedy, Great Lakes Area Marketing Manager Mike McInturf, Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Dr. David Hampton and Jessica Garcia, Office of Congressman Andre Carson. Also present will be dignitaries of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) including Stanley Law, George Washington High School and IPS Interim Superintendent Aleesia Johnson.

Background:

Gregory Hines (1946-2003) was nominated for Tony Awards in the 1970s for his performances in three Broadway musicals — “Eubie!,” “Comin’ Uptown,” and “Sophisticated Ladies” — and won a Tony Award in 1992 for his starring role in “Jelly’s Last Jam.” He danced alongside his brother, Maurice, in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1984 film “The Cotton Club” and alongside ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov in the 1985 movie “White Nights,” and he appeared in the 1989 movie “Tap,” which highlighted three generations of tap dancers. He also hosted an Emmy-winning Public Broadcasting Service show about tap dancing, recorded a No. 1 R&B duet with Luther Vandross, twice hosted the Tony Awards, and acted in television sitcoms. The stamp features a 1988 photograph by Jack Mitchell that shows a smiling Hines on one knee in a red blazer and gray pants, with one foot raised to show the taps on the bottom of his shoe. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp. The Gregory Hines stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Stamps will be available for purchase during the event, and members of the public are very welcome to attend.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

###