CLEVELAND BESTSELLER
Public library hosts stamp unveiling

From left, founding member of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Black History Archives Committee Grace Lee Mims, founder of the Charles Waddell Chesnutt Literary Society of Cleveland Nathan Oliver, Atlantic Monthly Publisher Elizabeth Baker Keffer, USPS Consumer Advocate Delores Killette and Cleveland Library Deputy Director Holly Carroll.

The Cleveland Public Library — an appropriate venue for a writer — was the site January 31 for the unveiling of the stamp honoring African-American author and social activist Charles Chesnutt.

"Charles Chesnutt was an American original, a gifted writer and social activist whose candid discussions of race in America helped set the stage for the successful civil rights movement of the 20th century," said Delores Killette, vice president and consumer advocate for the Postal Service. Killette dedicated the stamp during a ceremony at the library.

Chesnutt made an important literary contribution when he was published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1887. He was one of a few African-American writers to appear in a major literary magazine at that time.

"The Atlantic is proud of publishing Charles Chesnutt's first short story," said the magazine's publisher, Elizabeth Baker Keffer. "His pioneering work should inspire all Americans, and the release of this stamp both reminds us of his story and celebrates his legacy."

Chesnutt's grandson, John Chesnutt Slade, said, "I'm pleased that my grandfather has received this recognition. He's not a famous man, but I hope this stamp will help people learn more about his contributions to our country."

The Charles W. Chesnutt stamp sheet is available for purchase in Post Offices, on usps.com and by calling 800-STAMP-24.