NUBIAN KNIGHTS NETWORK: New African-American U.S. Postal Stamps Released - New KWANZAA Stamp and A Set of Romare Bearden Stamps

QUOTATIONS OF "BLACK"

"Whenever I use BLACK it relates to some history of Africans in that particular place. It’s the idea of the color BLACK as a metaphor, or as a representation of African-Americans. It’s the notion of BLACK- BLACKNESS - and all its other meanings in relation to the history of race..."

- Fred Wilson

"Most of my fortitude to continue doing the work comes from the moral outrage I feel about the injustices that Black people endure disproportionately daily."

- N. Abdul-Wakil

"In the end, what matters is not skin shade but pan-African consciousness. Loving your complexion, your nose, lips, hair length and texture, no matter what the politics or trends decide, and simply be. That's the problem with us (African folks). We're still learning how to love ourselves. So used to glorifying others and putting others first..."

- Dredlocks Tree

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

New African-American U.S. Postal Stamps Released - New KWANZAA Stamp and A Set of Romare Bearden Stamps

The United States Postal Service has just released some new African-American stamps...

First, the Romare Bearden 4-design collection came out September 28th, 2011. Romare Bearden (1911-1988) was one of the 20th century's most distinguished American artists. His art has been praised for depicting the complexities of African-American experience while addressing universal themes, and is in the permanent collections of major museums across the nation. Though he created works in many media, he is particularly celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to collage. Using various materials, including cut papers, foil, and fabrics, he transformed collage into a forceful means of expression with mainstream appeal. Four collages by Bearden, described in order from left to right below, appear on the Romare Bearden (Forever) stamp sheet.

Second, we have the latest iteration of the KWANZAA stamp for 2011 which was released October 14th. The stamp art, a highly symbolic design, depicts a family celebrating KWANZAA. The prominent colors in the artwork represent the colors of the KWANZAA flag — green for growth, red for blood, and black for the African people. Artist Daniel Minter created the stamp design.

KWANZAA, the African-American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, was first celebrated on December 26th, 1966. Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1, with each day focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles. Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits", KWANZAA is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa. KWANZAA seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles, that have sustained Africans. Though KWANZAA is NOT a religious observance, but a cultural affirmation and celebration, Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice KWANZAA.