December 2004

DISTRICT MANAGERS, CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND SALES
POSTMASTERS

SUBJECT: Black History Month

We celebrate Black History Month, reflecting on the progress, richness, and diversity of African-American achievements. Although February has been designated as the official month to celebrate Black history, every day is an occasion to highlight the monumental significance of African-American contributions and the vital role they have played in shaping America's history.

This year, Black History Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the Black Heritage commemorative stamp series and the 2005 honoree, Marian Anderson. The achievements of operatic and concert star Marian Anderson will be commemorated on a stamp Jan. 27 during the first day-of-issue ceremony at the Daughters of the Americans Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall, Washington, DC. That location is significant. Anderson was victimized by racism in 1939 when DAR refused to make its Washington, DC, Constitution Hall available due to a "white artist only" policy. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who witnessed Anderson's performance at a White House dinner, left the DAR and made arrangements for Anderson to perform before an audience of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial. Anderson later participated in the March on Washington in 1963 to again perform at the Lincoln Memorial.

We encourage you to host special events in your community throughout the month of February, highlighting the achievements of Marian Anderson and others honored in the Black Heritage series. Take advantage of Black History Month by inspiring both children and adults to learn more about African-American history through the educational hobby of stamp collecting.

The Marian Anderson commemorative stamp will be issued on January 27, 2005, and Black History Month launches nationally on February 1. The enclosed publicity kit provides a step-by-step guide to help you plan your local Black History Month and Marian Anderson stamp dedication events and activities. The kit includes the following:

• Suggestions to generate publicity.

• Fill-in news releases for Black History Month events.

• A letter to the editor you can send to local newspapers announcing Black History Month/Marian Anderson stamp ceremonies/events.

• Sample media advisory, public service announcement, and thank you notes.

• Talking points for a speech to be given during local community events.

• Public Affairs and Communications contacts.

• Government Relations contacts.

Please use this Black History Month Community Relations Publicity Kit to help develop and plan your local events. Be sure to keep your Public Affairs and Communications Field Communications manager informed of your activities. Your support of this year's Black History Month is vital to its success.

Azeezaly S. Jaffer
Vice President
Public Affairs & Communications

cc: Vice Presidents, Area Operations
Manager, Capital Metro Operations

PUBLICITY KIT

Black History Month/Marian Anderson

Publicity Ideas to Interest the Media

February Is Black History Month

There are many ways to interest local media in your Black History Month or local dedication of the Marian Anderson stamp events. Following are some suggestions to capture media attention.

Note: You can plan Black History Month events in conjunction with Marian Anderson local dedication stamp ceremonies. You should emphasize the fact that this is the 28th anniversary of the Black Heritage stamp series featuring Marian Anderson.

• Have a month-long Black History Month celebration involving employees and their families, school children and congressional, civic, and community leaders. Involve those people in helping to create a traveling or permanent African-American stamp collection exhibit that could either be placed in Post Office^TM lobbies or taken to stamp events at libraries, schools, or museums throughout the month of February. Highlight a different honoree theme every week of the month. Some examples of different themes might include sports figures, entertainers, inventors, educators, leaders, and scientists.

- Photo opportunity: Encourage media to cover the opening day of your exhibit. Media can take pictures of employees and community members setting up the exhibit to accompany an article about Black History Month.

- Opening day of the exhibit: Feature unveilings of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp and possibly other stamps in the Black Heritage series. Ask congressional, civic, and community leaders to participate in ceremonies.

• Invite children to design stamps about African- American history, and display their designs in the Post Office. Have local customers select the winners. Winners can be awarded Black Heritage or other commemorative stamp materials.

• Give presentations and workshops to local elementary schools, libraries, reading clubs, and community organizations like the Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts and the Rotary Club.

• Look for opportunities to partner with local philatelic organizations that may be sponsoring local exhibits or other events. Contact the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, International Music Association, Marian Anderson Theater, NAACP, Black Congressional Caucus, and University of Pennsylvania Library, where all of Anderson personal papers - including letters, music scores, programs, photographs, and sound recordings - are housed. Offer to speak, conduct workshops, or organize volunteers from among your staff to help.

• Help after-school programs set up stamp collecting clubs and share African-American history. Ask a local stamp collector to set up a display of stamp collecting tools and philatelic materials, such as tongs, magnifier, perforation gauge, albums, first-day covers, and so on. Go online to the American Philatelic Society's Web site at www.stamps.org to find local chapters (including African-American stamp clubs) and affiliates that might be willing to help.

Postal Service employees can find an electronic version of this kit at http://blue.usps.gov. Click References, then scroll down and click Postmaster Toolkits. Downloading the Microsoft Word version makes it easy to complete the fill-in- the-blank materials.

Implement any of these ideas, combine them, or brainstorm with your employees and come up with ideas of your own. Using the publicity materials in this kit be sure to publicize each and every event to your local newspaper, radio, and television stations via press releases, media advisories, and letters to the media. Don't forget to make follow-up telephone calls.

Products and Licensing

• First Day Cover (single) Item #458061 $ 0.75

• Cultural Diary Page/Illustrated Envelope
Set Item #458076 $12.95

• Cultural Keepsake (cover/pane)
Item #458093 $ 8.15

• Cultural Diary (with pages and stamps)
Item # 458096 $34.95

The Postal Service is introducing a new philatelic product, Expressions of African Americans: A Cultural Diary, scheduled for release in late January.

This unique collectible consists of a beautifully illustrated binder designed to hold current and future insert cards of African-American stamp issues as well as personal notes. The initial product offering will include the binder, insert cards, stamps, and mounts for four African-American issues from 2004 (Paul Robeson, Wilma Rudolph, James Baldwin, and Kwanzaa), as well as a companion notepad for recording personal thoughts.

Details

The 10 x 13 inch binder features a montage of African- American historical photographs combined with rich textures and decorative elements rendered in warm earth tones of reds, golds, and browns.

The interior, 8 1/2 x 11 inch wire-bound pages, is a deep brown and contain slits in all four corners to allow insertion of stamp issuance cards and notepad pages.

Cultural Diary pages measure 7 3/8 x 10 inches and contain photographs of the featured stamp subject, biographical information, timeline, and memorable quotations. Cards are executed in tones designed to echo the color palette of the binder. There is also a reproduction of a stamp on each card to designate space for mounting the actual stamp. Cultural Diary pages will be produced for all future African-American issues and will include a separate stamp and mount. Separately retailing for $7.95, Cultural Diary Pages for 2005 include Marian Anderson, Arthur Ashe, and the "To Form A More Perfect Union" pane, which commemorates key events in the struggle for Civil Rights.

The companion notepad included with the package is sized to match the diary pages so that the user can record personal thoughts and combine these personal pages in the binder with the stamp issuance cards. The pages can be rearranged as desired to create a uniquely individual album.

This lovely and unusual product is an ideal vehicle to preserve thoughts from and about notable African-Americans, to generate interest in collecting stamps, and to create a family treasure.

The Cultural Diary can be ordered by calling 800-STAMP-24 or online at www.usps.com in the Postal Store.

Licensing and Use of Marian Anderson Stamp Image

Listed below is the licensee that can create products featuring the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp. Please call the company directly to order.

Lapel pins, postcards, and magnets:

US ALLEGIANCE INC
63004 LAYTON AVE
BEND OR 97701-3735

Web: www.ipledge.com

Telephone: 800-327-1402
541-330-6282
Fax: 800-622-8212

For additional information about licensing and use of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp image, please contact Licensing@usps.com.

Pictorial Cancellations

A pictorial cancellation has not been produced for the nation. Post Offices planning second-day events should feel free to design their own special pictorial postmark. As a reminder, the Postal Service must make all unusual postmarking services widely known to collectors through advance publicity to avoid limiting the availability of these postmarks. Therefore, all pictorial postmarks must be reported to the Stamp Development Office 3 weeks prior to local events. Please use the announcement form on the following page to report your use of a cancellation.

Guidelines for Finalizing Marian Anderson Commemorative Stamp Pictorial Cancellation Art

To finalize the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp pictorial cancellation art, insert the date, city, state, and ZIP Code^TM of the physical location of your event adjacent to the stamp image. Overall dimensions of the pictorial cancellation must not exceed 4 inches horizontally by 2 inches vertically. Collectors prefer the dimensions 3 ½ inches by 1 inch.

Second-Day Cancellations

Second-day cancellations are pictorial postmarks and follow the same guidelines as above. The word "Station" or the abbreviation "STA" is required somewhere in the design, since it will be a temporary station.

Pictorial Postmark Announcement

Mail Cancellation Requests to:

Stamp Artwork

To purchase artwork of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp or other stamps in the Black Heritage commemorative stamp series, including poster-sized enlargements, color transparencies, and color prints, contact:

VICTOR PULUPA
DODGE COLOR
4827 RUGBY AVE STE 100
BETHESDA MD 20814-3028

E-mail: victor@dodgecolor.com
Telephone: 301-656-0025 x 212
Fax: 301-656-0435

Please plan ahead and allow enough time for production and shipping.

Suggested Participating Organizations and Contact Information

The information below is a suggested listing of supporters for Marian Anderson commemorative stamp dedications.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

National Headquarters

PAULA EDME
CHIEF OF NATIONAL FIELD OPERATIONS
4805 MT HOPE DR
BALTIMORE MD 21215

Telephone: 410-580-5110
Fax: 410-358-1607
877-NAACP-98

Regional National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Offices

Region I

Covering Countries: Japan, Korea
Covering States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington

FRANK BERRY REGIONAL DIRECTOR
LAINI COFFEE YOUTH AND COLLEGE DIRECTOR
4929 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 360
LOS ANGELES CA 90010-3817

Telephone: 323-931-6331
Fax: 323-931-9036
E-mail: flberry@aol.com

Region II

Covering Countries: Germany, Italy
Covering States: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

HILDA RODGERS REGIONAL DIRECTOR
DIALLO SHABAZZ YOUTH AND COLLEGE DIRECTOR
BEVERLY WHEELER SENIOR SECRETARY
MILDRED ROXBOROUGH CONSULTANT
39 BROADWAY STE 2201 22ND FL
NEW YORK NY 10060-3060

Telephone: 212-344-7474
Fax: 212-344-1212
E-mail: hrodgers@naacpnet.org

Region III

Covering States: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Wisconsin

SHIRLEY P MILES REGIONAL DIRECTOR
REV JULIUS HOPE DIRECTOR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
ERNEST COVERSON YOUTH AND COLLEGE DIRECTOR
JOYCE WILEY SENIOR SECRETARY
17 FORD AVE
HIGHLAND PARK MI 48203-3620

Telephone: 313-869-3717
Fax: 313-869-3763
E-mail: milesregion3@aol.com

Region IV

Covering States: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming

REV GILL FORD DIRECTOR
SHALIA LINDSEY YOUTH AND COLLEGE DIRECTOR
4477 WOODSON RD STE 201
ST LOUIS MO 63134-3700

Telephone: 314-428-9900
Fax: 314-428-9904
E-mail: fordrevg@aol.com

Region V

Covering States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

REV CHARLES WHITE REGIONAL DIRECTOR
YVONNE FINNEY OFFICE MANAGER
ALETHEA BONELLO YOUTH AND COLLEGE DIRECTOR
970 MARTIN LUTHER KING DR STE 203
ATLANTA GA 30314-2962

Telephone: 404-688-8868
Fax: 404-524-3633
E-mail: whitejrcharles@aol.com

Region VI

Covering States: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

GEORGIA NOONE REGIONAL DIRECTOR
CATHY LANG SENIOR SECRETARY
KHAMAL LAKEY YOUTH AND COLLEGE DIRECTOR
3003 SOUTH LOOP W STE 500
HOUSTON TX 77054-1376

Telephone: 713-662-2727
Fax: 713-661-5982
E-mail: gnoone@naacpnet.org

Region VII

Covering States: District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

BROOKE MCCAULEY REGIONAL DIRECTOR
KIMBERLY BILLS YOUTH AND COLLEGE DIRECTOR
4701 MOUNT HOPE DR STE B
BALTIMORE MD 21215-3246

Telephone: 410-580-2806
E-mail: bmccauley@naacpnet.org

Other Suggestions:

THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
PETER CLARK
GENERAL PRESS REPRESENTATIVE
30 LINCOLN CENTER
NEW YORK NEW YORK 10023-6980

Telephone: 212-870-7457
E-mail: pcclark@mail.metopera.org

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
ANNENBERG RARE BOOK AND MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY
3420 SOUTH ST
PHILADELPHIA PA 19104-6324

Telephone: 215-898-4021
E-mail: muselib@pobox.upenn.edu

THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL
JANET KESSIN DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS
60 LINCOLN CENTER PLZ
NEW YORK NY 10023-6588

Telephone: 212-799-5000, ext. 207
E-mail: news@juilliard.edu

CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
MARIAN ANDERSON THEATRE
COMPTON-GOETHALAS HALL
138TH ST AND CONVENT AVE RM 311
NEW YORK NY 10031-0001

Telephone: 212-650-5960
Fax: 212-650-5934
Keith Lee Grant, Contact
kgrant552@yahoo.com

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC
LANE JOST PUBLICIST
10 LINCOLN CENTER PLZ
NEW YORK NY 10023-6912

Telephone: 212-875-5705

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
1100 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW
WASHINGTON DC 20506-0001

Telephone: 202-682-5570

CARNEGIE HALL
SUSAN KING VICE PRESIDENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS
881 SEVENTH AVE
NEW YORK NY 10019-3293

Telephone: 212-903-9600

SHERWOOD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
1312 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVE
CHICAGO IL 60605

Telephone: 312-427-6267 Ext. 100

THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
SUSAN M ROSS
PRESIDENT CEO
523 DANBURY RD
WILTON CT 06897

Telephone: 203-834-9393
Fax: 203-834-9996
E-mail: sross@fccfoundation.org or
www.fccfoundation.org

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS
PAUL BRATHWAITE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POLICY
2235 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20515-0001

Telephone: 202-226-9776
Fax: 202-225-3178
E-mail: p.brathwaite@mail.house.gov
trudy.perkins@mail.house.gov

Black Heritage Series Facts

Harriet Tubman (February 1, 1978)

Born a slave, abolitionist Tubman was the first African-American woman to be honored on a U.S. stamp, and the first honoree in the Black Heritage series. Tubman was the conductor for the famed Underground Railroad by which many slaves escaped to freedom in the years leading to the Civil War.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 13, 1979)

King is considered one of the most powerful and popular leaders of the African-American Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He spearheaded a massive Civil Rights movement through marches, sit-ins, boycotts, and demonstrations that profoundly and positively affected America's attitudes toward race relations. He was presented the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Benjamin Banneker (February 15, 1980)

In 1753, Banneker constructed the first wooden striking clock made in America. At age 60, he was chosen by George Washington to help lay out blueprints for the Capitol in Washington, DC.

Whitney Moore Young, Jr. (January 30, 1981)

Young served for 10 years as the executive director of the National Urban League. In 1969, he received the nation's highest civilian honor - the Medal of Freedom.

Jackie Robinson (August 2, 1982)

Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color barrier in 1947. After

retirement from baseball in 1956, he remained active in civil rights and youth activities. In 1962, he became the first African American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Scott Joplin (June 9, 1983)

A composer and pianist, Joplin was the "King of Ragtime," fighting for recognition of ragtime as a significant genre in modern music. Some 50 years after his death, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his ragtime opera Treemonisha.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson (February 1, 1984)

A prominent historian and the son of former slaves from Virginia, Woodson is credited with starting the observance of Negro History Week in 1926.

Mary McLeod Bethune (March 5, 1985)

A noted educator and social activist, Bethune was an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935.

Sojourner Truth (February 4, 1986)

Born into slavery, Isabella Baum Free went to live in New York City after acquiring freedom. In 1843, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and began traveling and lecturing on women's rights and the evils of slavery. She was considered one of the greatest orators of her time.

Jean Baptiste DuSable (February 20, 1987)

A pioneer and entrepreneur, DuSable was the first settler in the community that was known as the cornerstone of America's heartland - Chicago. In 1779, starting from scratch, DuSable built the first permanent house on the north bank of the Chicago river, where the present-day Tribune Tower stands. The stamp was issued during the city's sesquicentennial.

James Weldon Johnson (February 2, 1988)

Johnson was noted as a lawyer, educator, and writer. His composition "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is sung today as the Black National Anthem.

Phillip Randolph (February 3, 1989)

An eloquent spokesperson for civil rights and minority labor, Randolph organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. After 10 years of fierce struggle, he achieved the first union contract signed by a white employer and an African-American leader.

Ida B. Wells (February 1, 1990)

Wells devoted her life to educating people about the horrors of discrimination and lynching. In 1895, she published A Red Record, the first documented statistical report on lynching.

Jan E. Matzeliger (September 15, 1991)

Matzeliger's invention, the shoe- lacing machine, patented in 1883, revolutionized the shoemaking industry and made mass-produced shoes a reality in America.

W.E.B. Du Bois (January 31, 1992)

Critic, editor, scholar, author, civil rights leader, and one of the most influential African Americans of the 20^th century, Du Bois was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.

Percy Lavon Julian (January 29, 1993)

Julian won fame for his work as a research chemist. He synthesized cortisone for arthritis, a drug for glaucoma, and progesterone. In 1990, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Dr. Allison Davis (February 1, 1994)

A psychologist and educator, Davis served on the President's Commission on Civil Rights and was vice chairman of the Department of Labor's Commission Manpower Retraining during the Johnson and Nixon Administrations. In 1967, he was a Fellow of the Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the National Academy of Education.

Bessie Coleman (April 27, 1995)

On June 15, 1921, Coleman was the first woman to earn an international aviation license issued by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in Paris, and she was the world's first licensed African- American aviator.

Ernest E. Just (February 1, 1996)

Known primarily for his research in marine biology, Just pioneered experiments in the process of the fertilization of marine invertebrates. He also studied the fundamental role of the cell surface in the development of organisms. Throughout the 1930s, Just conducted research in institutes and marine laboratories in Germany, France, and Italy.

Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. (January 28, 1997)

Davis distinguished himself in a long military career that saw him become the nation's first African- American Brigadier General, in 1940. He was a driving force in the eventual integration of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Madam C. J. Walker (January 28, 1998)

Walker was an early 20^th century beauty product pioneer and one of the nation's first female millionaires. An early advocate of women's economic independence and empowerment, her hair products manufacturing company employed thousands of women as sales agents and beauty consultants.

Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El- Shabazz) (January 20, 1999)

In the late 1950s, Malcolm X emerged as a major spokesperson for African Americans. He was both a brilliant scholar and a fiery orator whose persuasive and passionate views helped define the debate on race relations.

Patricia Roberts Harris (January 27, 2000)

An extraordinary leader, committed public servant, and champion of civil rights, Harris dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for all Americans. She was the first African-American woman to hold a U.S. ambassadorship when she was named in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the embassy in Luxembourg. She was the first African-American woman to serve as a member of a presidential Cabinet.

Roy Wilkins (January 24, 2001)

Wilkins advocated tirelessly for racial equality. In 1931 Wilkins joined the NAACP and led the organization from 1955 to 1977 as executive secretary and executive director. Under his leadership, the NAACP campaigned for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

Langston Hughes (February 1, 2002)

Hughes is acclaimed for his vivid portrayals of Black America from the Harlem Renaissance to the Civil Rights era. A noted poet, novelist, and playwright, he is regarded as one of the most important writers of the 20^th century.

Thurgood Marshall (January 7, 2003)

Marshall is one of the best-known lawyers in the history of civil rights in America. In 1954 Marshall and his legal team prevailed in the landmark Supreme Court case, "Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas," that struck down segregation in public schools. He was the first African American to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Paul Robeson (January 20, 2004)

Robeson is remembered not only for his extraordinary talents as an actor, singer, and athlete but also for his tireless and uncompromising commitment to civil rights and social justice. In addition to his famous repertoire of spirituals, Robeson became well known for performing and interpreting folk songs from around the world.

Marian Anderson (January 27, 2005)

Marian Anderson is known as one of the nation's greatest classically trained singers of the 20^th century and is an important figure in the struggle of Black Americans for racial equality.

Speech Segment and Talking Points

Use talking points for speeches at local ceremonies and events to support Black History Month/Marian Anderson stamp.

[Recognize participants from other organizations.]

America's greatest strength is the diversity of its people. February is Black History Month, and this is the perfect time to stop and reflect upon the rich cultural legacy African Americans have contributed to our nation.

In reality, every month is a celebration of the many African Americans who were instrumental in shaping America's history, arts, music, and literature. That is why the Postal Service^TM is so proud to help celebrate Black History Month with the release of the newest stamp in our Black Heritage series.

This year, the 28th year in this historic series, we are issuing the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp. Anderson joins 27 other honorees as a part of this series saluting outstanding African-American activists, theorists, writers, educators, and leaders.

Marian Anderson is remembered as one of the nation's greatest classically trained singers of the 20^th century, and she is also an important figure in the struggle of African Americans for racial equality. She was the first black singer to appear on the stage of New York's Metropolitan Opera. She later published a successful autobiography, "My Lord, What a Morning." Anderson performed at an inaugural ceremony for President Eisenhower's second term and for the inauguration of President Kennedy.

It is significant the First-Day-of-Issue ceremony for the Marian Anderson stamp was held at Washington, DC's Constitution Hall. In 1939, the Daughters of the American Revolution sparked national protests when they refused to allow Anderson to sing at Constitution Hall. In response, the United States Department of the Interior, with the encouragement of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, arranged a concert at the Lincoln Memorial. An estimated 75,000 people attended, and millions more heard it on the radio. The episode caused the media to look more closely at cases of discrimination involving Anderson and other African-American performers. Anderson finally sang at Constitution Hall before a capacity crowd in 1953.

Recognizing her extraordinary popularity and determination, the State Department made Anderson a goodwill ambassador to Asia, and in 1958, she was officially designated a delegate to the United Nations. In 1963, Anderson sang at the Lincoln Memorial at the historic March on Washington. The following year she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1977, she was awarded the UN Peace Prize.

Other notable Americans honored in the Black Heritage stamp series include Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson, Carter G. Woodson, Mary McLeod Bethune, Bessie Coleman, Ernest E. Just, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., Madam C. J. Walker, Malcolm X, Patricia Roberts Harris, Roy Wilkins, Langston Hughes, Thurgood Marshall, and last year's honoree, Paul Robeson.

African Americans have played a vital role in the shaping of America's history and culture, and the U.S. Postal Service remains committed to sharing their achievements and contributions. Given the popularity and historic importance of the Black Heritage stamps, there are no plans to discontinue the series. It will continue to be an important part of our stamp program for many years to come.

We encourage everyone - children and adults alike - to learn more about Black history and African Americans on stamps. There are phenomenal stories behind every commemorative stamp - stories that can take us back in time to learn about great Americans and to help us relive moments in the past - moments that we cherish.

For more than 200 years, the Postal Service has been a shining example of a public service institution that the American people can rely on and trust. But in many ways, it's our commemorative stamp program that best connects the Postal Service with the American people.

This month, we hope children and adults of all ages will be participating in Black History Month activities around the country.

Thanks to all of you for joining us here today.

# # #

Suggested Public Relations Timeline

If you have questions or need assistance with any of these items, please contact the Public Affairs and Communications representative serving your area (see attached list).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RADIO

Public Invited to Join in Celebration of Black History Month and Dedication of
Marian Anderson U.S. Postage Stamp

[INSERT CITY] postmaster [INSERT NAME] invites everyone in [INSERT LOCATION] to participate in activities surrounding the Postal Service's celebration of Black History Month and the unveiling of the 2004 Black Heritage commemorative stamp featuring Marian Anderson, on [INSERT DAY AND DATE] from [INSERT TIME] to [INSERT TIME].

On that day, children and adults will learn more about Black history and African Americans on stamps. Activities include [DESCRIBE ACTIVITIES].

Come take a moment to celebrate African-American history with stamps. It's an educational way to learn about the historic people, places and events honored on U.S. postage stamps each year.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION IN [INSERT CITY]
FEATURES AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY ON STAMPS

World Renowned Classical Performer Marian Anderson Featured on New Postage Stamp

[INSERT YOUR CITY, STATE] - As part of Black History Month, the U.S. Postal Service^TM and [INSERT NAME OF GROUP OR ORGANIZATION(S)] will join together to pay homage to Marian Anderson, the 2005 honoree in the U.S. Postal Service's Black Heritage commemorative stamp series. [CHANGE TO REFLECT WHO YOUR PARTICIPANTS ARE]

Marian Anderson, renowned classical singer and civil rights activist, [will become/became] the 28th American honored in the long-running Black Heritage commemorative stamp series. The achievements of operatic and concert star Marian Anderson [WILL BE/WAS] commemorated on a postage stamp issued on Jan. 27, 2005.

Anderson was victimized by racism in 1939 when the Daughters of the Americans Revolution (DAR) refused to make its Washington, DC, Constitution Hall available due to a "white artists only" policy. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who witnessed Anderson's performance at the White House dinner, left the DAR and made arrangements for Anderson to perform before an audience of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial. Anderson later participated in the March on Washington in 1963 to again perform at the Lincoln Memorial.

The celebration comes to [INSERT CITY] with a special ceremony scheduled for [INSERT EXACT TIME OF EVENT] on [INSERT DATE] at the [INSERT NAME OF POST OFFICE, LIBRARY, SCHOOL, MUSEUM, ETC. WHERE EVENT IS HELD].

[INSERT EVENT AGENDA]

[INSERT QUOTE FROM USPS UNVEILING OFFICIAL]

[INSERT QUOTE FROM ORGANIZATION OFFICIAL YOU ARE WORKING WITH]

[FEEL FREE TO USE THE FOLLOWING BACKROUND INFORMATION AND CUSTOMIZE] [FOR INSERTION INTO YOUR RELEASE] Anderson joins 27 other honorees in the Postal Service's Black Heritage commemorative stamp series, which salutes outstanding African-American activists, theorists, writers, educators, and leaders. Other notable Americans in the series include Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Benjamin Banneker; Jackie Robinson; Carter G. Woodson; Mary McLeod Bethune; W.E.B. Du Bois; Bessie Coleman; Ernest E. Just; Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.; Madam C.J. Walker; Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz); Patricia Roberts Harris; Roy Wilkins; Langston Hughes; Thurgood Marshall and Paul Robeson.

Anderson was born February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, PA. Recognizing her talent for music and her need to study with professional teachers, members of her community raised funds for her musical training.

In that era, American classical musicians rose in professional stature at by studying and performing in Europe. Anderson made her first journey to Europe in late October of 1927. In 1930, she was awarded a fellowship that allowed her to study in Berlin. Her time abroad was immensely important to her emotional and artistic growth, enabling her to deepen her understanding of the languages she sang, to make professional connections, and to escape many of the constraints of Black life in America.

After American producer Sol Hurok heard Anderson sing in Paris, he began to represent her in the United States, where his business practices effectively made her the equal of white concert artists. On December 30, 1935, he presented Anderson at Town Hall in New York. The concert was a grand success and a New York Times critic hailed Anderson as "one of the great singers of our time."

Aware of Anderson's growing reputation, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt invited her to sing for guests at a White House dinner party in 1936. Eleanor Roosevelt subsequently praised Anderson's performance in a newspaper column.

Three years later, Mrs. Roosevelt again wrote in connection to Anderson after a group to which she belonged, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), refused to make its Washington venue, Constitution Hall, available for Anderson's Easter concert due to a "white artist only" policy. The First Lady left the group, and on Easter Sunday 1939, Anderson gave a historic and highly symbolic performance outdoors before 75,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial. She presented a varied repertoire, including "America," Schubert's "Ave Maria," and a group of spirituals. Her performance was broadcast on radio nationwide.

Anderson became the first Black singer to appear on the stage of New York's Metropolitan Opera when in January 1955 she sang the role of the sorceress Ulrica in Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschere." The following year, she published a successful autobiography, My Lord, What a Morning.

As she neared the twilight of her musical career, Anderson became more active in politics. She performed at an inaugural ceremony for President Dwight D. Eisenhower's second term and for the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. The State Department named her a goodwill ambassador to Asia; in 1958, she was appointed a delegate to the thirteenth session of the United Nations.

At the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963, Anderson again sang at the Lincoln Memorial. The following December, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Anderson won the United Nations Peace Prize in 1977, and her 75th birthday was marked by a gala concert at Carnegie Hall, where she received New York City's Handel Medallion and a congressional resolution of congratulations delivered by First Lady Rosalyn Carter. Many more honors were bestowed upon Anderson including the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, and in 1991, she received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Anderson died April 8, 1993, in Portland, OR, where she had moved to be with her nephew.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

SAMPLE EVENT OUTLINE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION IN [INSERT CITY]
HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS ON STAMPS

EVENT: The U.S. Postal Service^TM teams up with the [NAME OF GROUP OR ORGANIZATION] for Black History Month celebration and the unveiling of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp, the 28th in the Black Heritage stamp series. [CHANGE OR ADD TO THIS INFO IF YOUR EVENT IS DIFFERENT, BUT KEEP IT SHORT]

WHO: [LIST ONLY DIGNITARIES, KEY POSTAL OFFICIALS, AND ANY WELL- KNOWN SPECIAL GUESTS PARTICIPATING AND/OR ATTENDING EVENT]

WHAT: [Describe what makes event newsworthy - list any entertainment, refreshments, sales, etc.]

WHEN: [Insert hour, day, date]

WHERE: [Insert exact location of event]

BACKGROUND: The achievements of operatic and concert star Marian Anderson will be commemorated on a stamp Jan. 27. Anderson was victimized by racism in 1939 when the Daughters of the Americans Revolution (DAR) refused to make its Washington, DC, Constitution Hall available for her performance due to a "white artists only" policy. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who witnessed Anderson's performance at a White House dinner party, withdrew from the DAR and made arrangements for Anderson to perform before an audience of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial. Anderson later participated in the March on Washington in 1963 to again perform at the Lincoln Memorial.

CONTACT: [LIST AREA PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS REPRESENTATIVE OR POSTMASTER'S NAME AND PHONE NUMBER]

# # #

SAMPLE LETTER TO LOCAL NEWSPAPER EDITOR THANKING RESIDENTS FOR SUPPORT

[INSERT DATE]

[INSERT NAME]

[INSERT TITLE]

[INSERT NAME OF PUBLICATION]

[INSERT ADDRESS]

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

Dear [INSERT TITLE AND NAME]:

I want to thank the citizens of [INSERT CITY NAME] for their enthusiasm and support in making yesterday's Black History Month celebration such a successful event for our community and for the U.S. Postal Service^TM.

African Americans have played a vital role in the shaping of America's history. The U.S. Postal Service continues its commitment to honoring the historical achievements and contributions of noted African-American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and sports figures. The Black Heritage commemorative stamp series, along with other stamps, pay tribute to these individuals.

Our nation's stamp program has been developed through the participation of the American people. Their stamp ideas and suggestions are instrumental in helping the Postal Service^TM honor some of the greatest achievements and achievers who have made our country great.

Again, thanks to everyone in our community who participated in our Black History Month celebration. We hope everyone enjoyed celebrating African-American history with stamps.

Sincerely,

[SIGN]

[INSERT POSTMASTER'S NAME]

Postmaster

U.S. Postal Service

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

Participation of Public Officials

Black History Month events are a perfect opportunity to involve elected public officials in an important and positive local event. They are likely to have a keen interest in the event, as it provides elected representatives a chance to interact with constituents in a friendly, civic setting with secured media coverage.

You are encouraged to reach out directly to your federal, state, and local elected officials. Government Relations representatives are available to assist you in coordinating political involvement and would be pleased to help in any way. Please contact them for guidance.

This publicity kit contains simple guidelines, sample letters, a suggested invitation list, and the names and telephone numbers of your Government Relations contacts.

Before the Event

• Send a written invitation 4 to 6 weeks before the event to your two U.S. senators, your congressional representatives, the governor of your state, and the mayor of your community. Please include any other local elected officials you feel would be appropriate. The local postmaster should sign the invitations.

• Follow up the written invitation with a telephone call to the elected official's scheduler within a week if you have not received a reply. You may need to call more than once.

• Keep in touch with all elected officials who respond. If asked, provide updated information to the elected official's staff as it becomes available (e.g., who else is participating, where and when to meet, what his or her role will be, etc.). Stress that remarks should be brief and limited to the unveiling of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp and her achievements, Black Heritage stamps, and the recognition of the role the U.S. Postal Service^TM continuously plays in celebrating African-American history with stamps.

• Include names of all participating elected officials on the "official program" as honored guests, and mention them in all media advisories, if applicable.

• Provide a courtesy copy of the program to the elected official in advance.

After the Event

• Send a written thank you letter to all elected officials who participated in the ceremony, expressing your appreciation.

• Provide copies to their offices of any newspaper articles about the event. Even though they might see those articles on their own, you can take the opportunity to remind them of the press coverage the event received.

• Provide a supply of extra cacheted envelopes with the special cancellation, if applicable, to elected officials, even to those who could not attend. These make great giveaways and serve as a positive reminder of the event.

• Obtain and frame a photo of the elected official posing beside the stamp image and make an appointment to present it in person, if possible. A matted, well-framed photograph stands a good chance of being hung on the wall of the official's office, again serving as a positive reminder of the event.

• Keep in touch with your elected officials. Good relationships are built over time.

# # #

SAMPLE INVITATION TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS

[INSERT DATE]

[INSERT NAME]

[INSERT TITLE]

[INSERT ORGANIZATION]

[INSERT ADDRESS]

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

Dear [INSERT TITLE AND NAME]:

Employees of the [INSERT NAME] Post Office^TM invite you to be an honored guest at a special ceremony celebrating Blank History Month on [DATE] at [TIME]. During our ceremony, the U.S. Postal Service^TM will dedicate the Marian Anderson [AND/OR Black Heritage series] commemorative stamp [OR stamps IF DEDICATING ENTIRE SERIES].

The Postal Service^TM values its role as a community leader, and we believe that our stamp program gives us an opportunity to connect with customers in a very personal and informative way. During our ceremony, children and adults alike will have an opportunity to learn about the achievements and contributions of African-American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and sports figures.

At the stamp ceremony, you will be invited to say a few words about the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp and any comments you may have about African-American history. We expect significant press coverage of the ceremony and a good size crowd.

We hope you will join us for our stamp dedication and special Black History Month celebration. Please confirm your participation by calling [NAME OF CONTACT] at [TELEPHONE NUMBER] as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

[SIGN]

[INSERT POSTMASTER'S NAME]

Postmaster

U.S. Postal Service

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS/PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

[INSERT DATE]

[INSERT NAME]

[INSERT TITLE]

[INSERT ORGANIZATION]

[INSERT ADDRESS]

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

Dear [INSERT TITLE AND NAME]:

On behalf of the U.S. Postal Service^TM, I want to thank you for joining us during our special ceremony celebrating Black History Month and the dedication of the Marian Anderson commemorative postage stamp. It was a wonderful event for [INSERT NAME OF COMMUNITY], and your participation helped make it a success.

All of us in the Postal Service^TM are extremely proud of the role our organization has played as a community leader and in commemorating many of the people, places, and events that have made our country great. The stamp dedication ceremony was a wonderful way for us to share history on stamps with our friends, neighbors, children, and customers here in [INSERT NAME OF COMMUNITY]. I am enclosing 10 copies of our special cancellation [IF APPLICABLE] for you to share with your constituents, as well as copies of press clippings and photographs that recorded the event [IF APPLICABLE].

I look forward to working with you on future community events. If I can be of assistance with any postal matter, please contact me at [TELEPHONE NUMBER].

Sincerely,

[SIGN]

[INSERT POSTMASTER'S NAME]

Postmaster

U.S. Postal Service

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

Public Affairs and Communications Field Managers

Government Relations Contacts

We can help! Your Government Relations representatives are here to serve you. We can assist you in contacting and inviting elected officials to participate in your event - please let us know.

Alphabetical State/Representative Listing
Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-XXXX

- Community Relations, Public Affairs and Communications, 12-23-04