Founder@esperstamps.org

The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections, (ESPER) is a national stamp society promoting the collecting of African Americans on stamps and the collecting of stamps by African Americans. The society was founded by Esper Hayes of South Orange, New Jersey. She started the club based on a promise she made to the great Olympian Jesse Owens. Esper met the famous track Olympian at a stamp show in the 70’s. She stood in line for hours, for his autograph. When she got to the table he stood up and shook her hand. She and Jesse were the only African American people in the Coliseum that day. During their conversation Jesse mentioned that maybe she could do something to help black people take pride in themselves and she agreed. After his death in 1980, she turned her promise into a commitment.

The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections, whose initials spell our founder's name was organized in 1988. The society currently has over 220 members covering  many parts of the United States. ESPER is a non profit organization dedicated to promoting the collecting of African Americans on stamps. Reflections, our quarterly newsletter contains  information and commentary about African Americans on stamps from around the world. Reflections is not only a good source of information for African Americans interested in stamps, it also provides an avenue for networking and stamp trading.  Many members spend time visiting schools sharing their knowledge with children. Others give presentations at local libraries and civic centers to spread the hobby of philately and African American history.  The organization consists of the following offices: Executive Director & Founder, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Publisher and Editor of “Reflections”, State Directors, and four Directors at Large.

Our Mission