Have You Checked the Mail?
Unveiling the Kwanzaa Stamp
by Terrance Turner
Cheers and shouts filled the small auditorium inside the African-American Museum located at 7th & Arch Streets. On October 27, 1997, the United States Postal Service unveiled a stamp here in Philadelphia commemorating the Kwanzaa holidays.
The unveiling drew the attention of important officials such as Congressman Chaka Fattah , Council Woman Janine Blackwell and S. David Fineman, governor of the United States Postal Service. Also in attendance were poet Sonia Sanchez from temple University and Dr. Maulana Karenge from the University of California at Berkeley and founder of the Kwanzaa holidays. Others at the event included media personnel, students from around the city including West Philadelphia High School, and celebrators of the Kwanzaa holidays who indeed did celebrate this momentous occasion.
The Kwanzaa stamp's unveiling is a great achievement for African- American people...
"Habari gani" ( What's the news ) was the greeting many received as they entered the small auditorium in the African-American Museum to tak part in the stamp unveiling ceremonies. The dedication began with master of ceremonies, Dewitt O. Harris, District Manager of Customer Service and Sales of the U.S. Postal Service. He introduced his good friend, Congressman Chaka Fattah. The Congressman works with the postal service and was very happy and excited to be a part of the unveiling. As he addressed the crowd, he talked about his efforts to bring forth such events and how it was a great achievement of all involved parties, particularly Dr. Maulana Karenge. Poet Sonia Sanchez graced everyone's ears with a heartfelt poem called "Sweet Honey in the Rock," which talked about how African-Americans need to come together as one and rise above the problems of racism and oppression. Perhaps the most moving speech was given by Dr. Maulana Karenge, who expressed his reasons for developing Kwanzaa. As he spoke, shouts of praise filled the auditorium and everyone seemed to be in the spirit of Kwanzaa.
Participants in the event included Sonia Sanchez, Congressman Chaka Fattah, Janine Blackwell and S. David Fineman.
QWEST spoke with two students of West Philadelphia H.S. about how they felt about the unveiling. "I was excited about it," says Charles C. Mosley. When asked how he felt about Dr. Karenge's beliefs his response was, "I understood Dr. Maulana Karenge's beliefs but do not follow them." Student Kira Wells told QWEST how she felt about the Doctor's speech. She commented, "It was very strong and others followed." The Kwanzaa stamp's unveiling is a great achievement for African-American people and I hope that people will purchase them for the holidays.
