Three years after the passing of Civil Rights activist/Congressman John R. Lewis, the United States Postal Service inked another red-letter date to history by issuing a Forever stamp in his honor.
A dedication ceremony held at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia marked a solemn event to launch the USPS postal certification as a memorial tribute to the martyr who spent his entire lifetime improving the lives of disfranchised Americans.
The honorarium also marked the first public tribute to the southern activist who died at age 80 from pancreatic cancer on July 17, 2020 just four days short of the three-year anniversary.
On the occasion, civic leaders, a color guard, educators, entertainers, philatelists and family members gathered inside the International Chapel on the campus of the acclaimed institution for the first day launch of the significant one-time priced First class postage.
Also in attendance actress, a long list of celebrated personalities included Martin Luther King Jr., John-Miles Lewis, son of John Lewis, Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin, former mayors of Atlanta, Ronald A. Stromin, a member of the USPS Board of Governors and dedicating official of the stamp, Michael Collins, chairman of the board of the John and Lilian Lewis Foundation and other influencers witnessed the dedication. Actress Alfre Woodard served as mistress of ceremonies.
“As an avid collector, stamps were important to Congressman John Lewis who always made sure he purchased stamps on their first day of issue,” Collins said.
“We are deeply grateful to the United States Postal Service for recognizing the congressman with this official Forever stamp, a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of a true American hero.”
The principal caretaker of Cong. Lewis’ legacy added: “The congressman was a treasured civil rights icon and a timeless advocate for justice, equality, and human rights. This commemorative stamp serves as a timeless reminder of his remarkable legacy and the enduring impact of his lifelong dedication to the betterment of our society. May it inspire and encourage all Americans to continue the necessary work and the ‘good trouble’ of building a more just and inclusive nation.”
Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams who replaced the legend to represent the 5th district Lewis was elected in 1987, shared her opinions on Al Sharpton’s Politics Nation talk show aired on MSNBC recently said: “Remember he was only a teenager when he sent a letter to Dr. Martin King Jr. asking to join the Movement.
Dr. King responded by sending him a ticket to join him in Selma, Alabama.”
Sharpton lauded the progress the icon made in advancing the Voting Rights Act. The New York activist/talk show host said Cong. Lewis was a “revered lion” who toiled for the rights of his people.
Sharpton and a delegation from his National Action Network plans to rally in Washington D.C. on Aug. 26 in order to support the John Lewis Voting Rights bill.
History has recorded that Lewis walked alongside Dr. King, an avid and relentless proponent of equity for voting rights for all Americans.
Although Lewis was clubbed by racists and police when he joined Dr. King and others to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, despite the beatings Lewis never faltered.
Three decades later Lewis was elected to Congress and remained there until his passing.
In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded the son of sharecroppers the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
“I will be putting his stamp on all my letters,” Congresswoman Williams explained.
According to the USPS, the John Lewis Forever stamp is available in panes of 15. In addition, Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.
