Postal Bulletin 22144 - December 23, 2004 - USPS.com

12 POSTAL BULLETIN 22144 (12-23-04)
Black History Month/Marian Anderson
Community Relations Publicity Kit
December 2004
DISTRICT MANAGERS, CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND SALES
POSTMASTERS
SUBJECT: Black History Month
We celebrate Black History Month, reflecting on the progress, richness, and diversity of African-American achievements.
Although February has been designated as the official month to celebrate Black history, every day is an occasion to highlight
the monumental significance of African-American contributions and the vital role they have played in shaping America’s
history.
This year, Black History Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the Black Heritage commemorative stamp
series and the 2005 honoree, Marian Anderson. The achievements of operatic and concert star Marian Anderson will be
commemorated on a stamp Jan. 27 during the first day-of-issue ceremony at the Daughters of the Americans Revolution
(DAR) Constitution Hall, Washington, DC. That location is significant. Anderson was victimized by racism in 1939 when DAR
refused to make its Washington, DC, Constitution Hall available due to a “white artist only” policy. First Lady Eleanor
Roosevelt, who witnessed Anderson’s performance at a White House dinner, left the DAR and made arrangements for
Anderson to perform before an audience of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial. Anderson later participated in the March on
Washington in 1963 to again perform at the Lincoln Memorial.
We encourage you to host special events in your community throughout the month of February, highlighting the achievements
of Marian Anderson and others honored in the Black Heritage series. Take advantage of Black History Month by
inspiring both children and adults to learn more about African-American history through the educational hobby of stamp
collecting.
The Marian Anderson commemorative stamp will be issued on January 27, 2005, and Black History Month launches
nationally on February 1. The enclosed publicity kit provides a step-by-step guide to help you plan your local Black History
Month and Marian Anderson stamp dedication events and activities. The kit includes the following:
Suggestions to generate publicity.
Fill-in news releases for Black History Month events.
A letter to the editor you can send to local newspapers announcing Black History Month/Marian Anderson stamp ceremonies/events.
Sample media advisory, public service announcement, and thank you notes.
Talking points for a speech to be given during local community events.
Public Affairs and Communications contacts.
Government Relations contacts.