Links Chapter Rings In 60 years
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, The Links Inc. Greater New York Chapter rang the NASDAQ closing bell yesterday.
“We thank the NASDAQ for providing us the honor of closing the market today,†said Gwendolyn Lee, national president of The Links. “This event presents a fabulous opportunity for us to generate awareness about our programs and the impact that we have here in New York, as well as nationally and globally.â€
Established in 1946, the Links is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women committed to enriching the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
–Marcia A. Wade
USPS Issues Richard Wright Stamp
Author Richard Wright has been honored with a stamp, which went on sale nationwide April 9. He is the 25th inductee into the Postal Service’s Literary Arts series. Most renowned for his 1940 novel, Native Son, and his 1945 autobiography, Black Boy, Wright often employed a wide range of literary traditions that explored racism in American society. Before becoming a legendary author, whose works have inspired many contemporary writers and musicians, he worked for the Chicago Post Office from 1927 to 1930 as a letter sorter.
Artwork for the stamp, created by Kadir Nelson of San Diego, California, features a portrait of Wright in front of snow-swept buildings on Chicago’s South Side and is based on a 1945 photograph. Carl T. Herrman of Carlsbad, California, was the stamp designer. One hundred million stamps were printed in sheets of 20.
“This nation experienced a historical event in our most recent presidential election,” said U.S. Postal Service Chicago District/Postmaster Gloria Tyson. “It was an event Richard Wright helped to bring about with his often controversial writings; writings of a world view on humanity and politics that were far too forward-thinking for his own generation … writings that eventually helped to direct a change in how America addressed and discussed race relations.”
Customers may purchase new stamps at their local post office, at the Postal Store Website, or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24.
— Janell P. Hazelwood