The Postal Service dedicated its new Kwanzaa stamp Oct. 13 during a ceremony in St. Louis.
“USPS is honored to continue in the celebration of Kwanzaa — a communal tradition that has grown to hold special meaning to millions of people,” said Eddie Banner, the organization’s Kansas-Missouri District manager, who spoke at the event.
The Forever stamp — available at Post Offices and usps.com — celebrates the pan-African holiday that traces its roots to the 1960s and is held annually from Dec. 26-Jan. 1.
The stamp image shows a girl and a boy standing near a kinara, a seven-stem candelabra that is a traditional part of Kwanzaa celebrations.
Other ceremony participants included Jeanice L. Baker, president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Tracie Berry-McGhee, founder of a local nonprofit that promotes mentoring; local business leaders Cheryl McNeil and Cheryl Jordan; and Erin Robinson, the stamp artist.
Said Baker: “Kwanzaa reminds us to be intentional in making an impact within our families, communities and culture — to build bridges not barriers.”
