Trailblazing Publisher of Ebony, Jet, Immortalized on Forever Stamp
WASHINGTON — The Postal Service continues its sneak peek at some of its 2012 stamps, using social media outlets today to preview the 2012 Black Heritage Stamp honoring legendary publisher John H. Johnson. Using social media to reach broader, more diverse audiences is an initiative that began Monday. Select stamps from the 2012 commemorative program will continue to be previewed one at a time.
Customers may preview the stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at www.beyondtheperf.com/2012-preview Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for the back story on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.
John H. Johnson Forever Stamp
“We are proud to immortalize John H. Johnson as our latest inductee in our Black Heritage stamp series,” said Stephen Kearney, manager, Stamp Services. “He was the trailblazing publisher of Ebony, Jet and other magazines as well as an entrepreneur. In 1982, he became the first black person to appear on Forbes magazine’s annual list of the 400 wealthiest people in America. His magazines portrayed black people positively at a time when such representation was rare, and he played an important role in the civil rights movement. President Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.”
The stamp, designed by art director Howard Paine, features a color photograph of John H. Johnson taken by Bachrach Studios. The photographer was David McCann.
The Postal Service has recognized the achievements of prominent African Americans through the Black Heritage series since 1978. The series highlights outstanding individuals who helped shape American culture.
Other 2012 Forever stamps previewed this week were the 2012 Cherry Blossoms Centennial, the Edgar Rice Burroughs and Love Ribbons stamps.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Someone at the PO wasn’t doing their homework when this stamp was approved.
While this person had some accomplishments and died a wealthy man, he will likely best be remembered for his virulent and poisonous homophobia.
With the introduction of this stamp, the USPS has apparently started a new series of commemorative stamps- “Faces of Hate”.
This is just mind blowing to me to see Mr. Johnson being honored on this date the same day of me informing the CEO of the project that I and Pencil artist Idrice Altson is completed.I have designed an image of Mrs.Johnson and their daugther Mrs.Linda Johnson Rice, to be given to Mrs. Rice as a contribution to the magazine.In the event that my design get published and I do believe it will,EBONY can look forward to it being one of the most requested copies in the HISTORY of the Magazine..William J. Jenkins/Photographer
I’m sure that many lives were made better due to the influence and wealth that Mr. Johnson accumulated during his lifetime.
However, his public hatred of gay people ruined many more lives than his business empire helped to elevate.
Mr. Johnson was an outstanding individual and leader. Through Ebony and Jet magazines he provided the first truly positive perspectives of the African-American community, nationally and internationally. He also provided hundreds of job opportunities in media communications and its ancillary fields for individuals like myself for which I, and many others, are very grateful. He is truly deserving of this honor.
By honoring Mr. Johnson, the PO is also given tacit approval of this persons hatred and vilification of gay people.
Shameful.