Dayton Postmaster to Unveil 31st Black Heritage Series Stamp

Event Honors Ohio Author and Social Activist Charles W. Chesnutt

DAYTON — Dayton Postmaster Darryl K. Myers will unveil the 31st stamp in the Postal Service's Black Heritage Series, which honors the heritage and achievements of African-Americans throughout history, on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at the RTA Cultural Center. This year's stamp honors Ohio native and social activist Charles W. Chesnutt. The public unveiling will take place during the evening's Southwest Priority Board "Black History Month" festivities at the Cultural Center, located at 3rd Street and Edwin Moses Blvd

Postmaster Myers will present the Cultural Center with a framed and matted enlargement of stamp honoring 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. 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.

"Chesnutt's pioneering work should inspire all Americans, and the release of this stamp reminds us of his story and celebrates his legacy," said Myers. "The fact he was a native Ohioan adds considerably to the interest."

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