Founded 1988
" An International Stamp Society, honoring the African Diaspora and African Americans on stamps"
Our 36th Year
Underground Railroad Stamp Ceremony
(left to right) ~ Natalie Whitfield, Anthonissa Joseph, M. Rosina Major,
Renessia Joseph, Stephani L. Zinerman.
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On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the NY Chapter of the Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections (ESPER) in collaboration with New York State Assembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman hosted an unveiling of the Underground Railroad stamps at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn. Weeksville is a historical African-American neighborhood founded by freed slaves in the 19th century; a proper setting for the unveiling.
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THE PROGRAM CONSISTED OF:
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Musician Eric Frazier who provided background music and opened the event with the pouring of libations
Invocation given by The Rev. Dr. Lori Hartman of Janes United Methodist Church
Singer, Natalie Whitfield lead the assembly in “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and performed “Is Massa Gonna Sell Us Tomorrow?”
PRESENTERS
Master of Ceremony
Brian E. Major, Freelance Writer
Welcome ~ M. Rosina Major,
NY Chapter Director of ESPER
Representative of Berean Baptist Church, which was a “station” on the Underground Railroad.
Connection to the Underground Railroad
Representatives of the Prince Hall Masons spoke about the organization’s connection to the Underground Railroad
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Keynote Speaker ~ NYS Assembly Member Stephani L. Zinerman
Greetings were offered by Jonathan Murray, Operations Manager of Weeksville Heritage Center.
Leo-in-Training Kamiya Atherley
read passages from the book,
“Before She Was Harriet”
Don Neal, ESPER's newsletter editor
Leo Anthonissa Joseph and Leo to Lion Renessia Joseph recited poem,
“Bury Me in a Free Land”
New York Lions Club
Dr. Wilma Hunt, MD with Della Moses Walker, ESPER's New Jersey Chapter Director
Dr. Wilma Hunt, MD with Della Moses Walker, ESPER's New Jersey Chapter Director
Dr. Wilma Hunt, MD with Della Moses Walker, ESPER's New Jersey Chapter Director
Dr. Wilma Hunt, MD with Della Moses Walker,
ESPER's New Jersey Chapter Director
USPS beside ESPER table
Extra photos for event.
Photos by Keith Major and Asley Turnbull
History of
Underground Railroad
Click on each stamp for short bio
