The Postal Service continued its tradition of honoring the Pan-African holiday Kwanzaa during the dedication ceremony of a new stamp Oct. 11.
Government Relations and Public Policy Executive Director Stephanie Childs, who led the ceremony, explained the importance of Kwanzaa for the millions of African-Americans who celebrate the holiday each year.
“Kwanzaa has grown to hold special meaning to millions of people who — through good times and bad — find comfort in drawing on the ideals of family, community and culture,” Childs said.
The stamp depicts a man, woman and child adorned in a mixture of western and African-inspired clothing near a table with several important Kwanzaa symbols, including a kinara (candleholder) and a kikombe cha umoja (unity cup).
During the event, which was held at North Carolina State University’s African American Cultural Center in Raleigh, NC, Childs encouraged attendees to honor the principles of Kwanzaa, including reaffirming bonds with family and friends and commemorating the past.
“Kwanzaa teaches us that we have an internal connection of shared experiences and sacrifice that can never be broken,” she said.
The stamp is available at Post Offices and usps.com.
