Page 8 - 2016octissue

2016 © USPS

On the cover Above
Synthia Saint James, stamp artist .

Kwannzaa -50th

anniversary -USPS stamp

With this vibrant new stamp design, the U.S. Postal Service first harvest celebrations that inspired the creation of
continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa by dedicating a Kwanzaa,” Stroman added, referring to the work of stamp
new Kwanzaa Forever stamp. The First-Day-of-Issue dedication artist Synthia Saint James.
ceremony took place in Marion Square in Charleston at the “What an incredible honor,” said Saint James. “I was first
MOJA Art Festival celebrating African-American and Caribbean commissioned to create the painting for the first Kwanzaa
arts. Stamp in 1996, which was released in 1997. Now a brand new
Kwanzaa, an annual non-religious holiday taking place over Kwanzaa Forever Stamp, nearly 20 years later, celebrates the
seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, brings family, community 50th anniversary of the Kwanzaa holiday. I’m jazzed, elated
and culture together for many African-Americans. This year, and thrilled.
Dec. 26 marks the 50th anniversary of the widely celebrated
holiday.The public is asked to share the news using the
hashtag #KwanzaaStamps

“Kwanzaa celebrations focus on the importance of family,
community and culture, and reflect some of the core values of
African culture,” said U.S. Postal Service Deputy Postmaster
General and Chief Government Relations Officer Ronald
Stroman. “The stamp’s bold colors depict a young African-
American woman as the embodiment of Africa, with her dress
collar and matching earring featuring an African design. The
image shows her holding a large purple bowl overflowing with
fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the abundance of African

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