Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Barbara Jordan Joins Black Heritage Series



The Postal Service is recognizing Barbara Jordan — one of America’s most respected and influential politicians — as the 34th honoree in the popular Black Heritage stamp series. The First-Day-Of-Issue ceremony was held on the campus of Texas Southern University in Houston TX.

The “Barbara Jordan” Forever stamp is available at Post Offices nationwide, online at usps.com, and by phone at 800-782-6724.

“Staunchly determined to help extend social justice and federal protection of equal rights to all American citizens, Barbara Jordan dedicated her life to working for the benefit of others,” said Ellis Burgoyne, Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President. “At the Postal Service, we are proud to share her legacy with all Americans through the issuance of this new commemorative Forever stamp.”

Joining Burgoyne to dedicate the stamp was Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX); Dr. John Rudley, President, Texas Southern University; Karen Hauser, President, Houston Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and Barbara Jordan’s sister, Rose Mary McGowan.

Jordan was the first African-American woman elected from the South to the U.S. Congress. She gained national acclaim in 1976 when she became the first woman and the first African-American to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. She served three terms, sponsoring and supporting numerous pieces of legislation extending federal protection of civil rights.

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