Postal Service Salutes Author Ernest J. Gaines

Author Ernest J. Gaines Black Heritage Forever Stamp. PRNewsfoto/U.S. Postal Service
Author Ernest J. Gaines Black Heritage Forever Stamp. PRNewsfoto/U.S. Postal Service

 

Postal Service Salutes Author Ernest J. Gaines  

LAFAYETTE, La., PRNewswire -- The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated the life of author Ernest J. Gaines, best known for the novels "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" and "A Lesson Before Dying," as the 46th honoree in the Black Heritage Stamp series in a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.     

"Dr. Gaines brought worldwide attention to generations of men and women who asserted their human dignity in the face of racial oppression and violence," said Donald Lee Moak, a member of the USPS Board of Governors, who served as the dedicating official. "His novels would shine a light on individuals who were too often overlooked and remind us of the dignity present in every human being, especially those being oppressed. That is just one reason the United States Postal Service is privileged to honor him with this new stamp." 

Joining Moak for the ceremony were E. Joseph Savoie, president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Keith Clark, professor of English and African and African American studies at George Mason University; Lillie Anne Brown, assistant professor of English at University of Florida A&M University; Mona Lisa Saloy, poet laureate of Louisiana; and author Wiley Cash. 

Cheylon Woods, head of the Ernest Gaines Center, served as master of ceremonies. 

"Ernest J. Gaines was — and remains — an iconic figure at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and we are deeply honored that the U.S. Postal Service has chosen to commemorate his literary legacy through this beautiful stamp," Savoie said. "It captures the grace, strength and character he displayed through his life and through his words. For a quarter century, as a professor and writer-in-residence at the university, Dr. Gaines entreated aspiring writers to remember the inherent commonality of people and obligation we have as individuals to treat each other with dignity and respect. His genius and influence made them better, and made our university better, and we are forever grateful for his enduring example." 

The stamp features an oil painting of Gaines based on a 2001 photograph. Mike Ryan designed the stamp with art by Robert Peterson. Greg Breeding served as art director. 

The Ernest J. Gaines stamp is sold in panes of 20. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #ErnestGainesStamp #BlackHeritageStamps. 

  

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