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Black History and Stamps

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.

Both the U-S and Canada are celebrating Black History month with new issues. In the U-S,
there’s a stamp to honor Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. Canada is commemorating its only Black army unit in World War One, the Number Two
Construction Battalion.

But there’s an organization of stamp collectors that celebrates black history all year
long.

“ESPER, which stands for Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections.” RUNS :07

Treasurer Mary Rosina Major says many of ESPER’s members are black, but not all.

“It’s anybody who is interested in learning about the history and the heritage and people
in the African diaspora.”   RUNS :07

ESPER was founded by Esper Hayes — that’s where the name comes from — almost 30 years ago.

“Right now, we have about 250 members worldwide.”  Runs :04

ESPER offers family memberships.

“We’re really looking for youth members, anybody under the age of 17. We’re encouraging
them, so they can learn more about history.”   RUNS :08

Major says African Americans have not been well represented in stamp collecting, but
that’s changing.

“A lot of our members are former educators, and so they’re really pushing it with their
churches, community centers, scouts and youth groups.”  RUNS :09

You can find out more about ESPER at ESPER-stamps-dot-org.

I’m Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamp collecting,
visit virtual-stamp-club-dot-com.

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