DPMG Ron Stroman discussed the Postal Service’s historic role in providing middle-class jobs with fair pay for African-Americans during a March 7 ceremony commemorating the 1965 civil rights march in Selma, AL.
USPS emerged as a “gateway to the middle class” during the early 20th century and now serves as a leading employer of African-Americans, Stroman told an audience of 1,200.
“It’s a source of tremendous pride for us and one of the reasons for our long term success as an organization,” he said.
The DPMG also discussed the educational value of stamps that depict African-American pioneers such as Rosa Parks and Robert Robinson Taylor.
Also during the ceremony, Stroman unveiled a special envelope that honors the 50th anniversary of the march. Alabama District General Clerk Marvin Owens designed the envelope, which became one of the most popular products at a Postal Service booth during the weekend-long commemoration.
The weekend’s other activities included remarks from President Obama, who retraced the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with former President George W. Bush, U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and others.
