Today in 1945, John H. Johnson published the first issue of EBONY magazine.And we look back as Mr Johnson was selected to have a stamp from the US Postal Service:
John H. Johnson made certain that the pioneering magazines he founded to uplift his race highlighted those historic moments in the pages of EBONY and JET.
It is now Johnson’s turn to be commemorated; today, the U.S. Postal Service previewed its 2012 Black Heritage Stamp that honors him.
“We are proud to immortalize John H. Johnson as our latest inductee into our Black Heritage stamp series,” said Stephen Kearney, manager, stamp services. “As the trailblazing publisher of EBONY, JET, and other magazines, and as an entrepreneur, he became the first African-American listed by Forbes magazine in 1982 as one of the 400 wealthiest people in America. Johnson overcame poverty and racism to build a business empire embracing magazines, radio stations, cosmetics, and more.”
When and where the stamp will be issued has not yet been determined.
Johnson’s daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, said: “I am honored and pleased that the U.S. Postal Service has chosen to recognize the extraordinary and revolutionary work my father did in giving a voice and a platform to Black Americans in a time when so few sources recognized our achievements. We are committed to carrying on his legacy and to continue producing products that portray the best of Black America and represent the community with the same level of pride and authenticity.”
One at a time, select stamps from the 2012 commemorative program will continue to be previewed. Find out more at facebook.com/USPSStamps, Twitter @USPSstamps or beyondtheperf.com/2012-preview. Beyond the Perf, the Postal Service’s site, offers the back story on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.
article courtesy of Ebony.com
