Postal Service to unveil 39th stamp in Black Heritage series
The Dozier Singers Family & Friends (DSF) will perform concerts at two United Methodist churches during Black History Month celebrations, which includes, also, the unveiling of the United States Postal Service’s 39th stamp in its Black Heritage series. The stamp honoree is Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church.
Postal Service to unveil 39th stamp in Black Heritage series
The Dozier Singers Family & Friends (DSF) will perform concerts at two United Methodist churches during Black History Month celebrations, which includes, also, the unveiling of the United States Postal Service’s 39th stamp in its Black Heritage series. The stamp honoree is Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church.
The concert theme is How I got over, the name of a gospel song made popular by Queen of Soul Aritha Franklin. DSF vocalist Erma Dozier, will perform the theme song.
The first event will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, 5 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks, 1000 E. Janss Road., Thousand Oaks,.
The second will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m., at Hope United Methodist Church, 3405 Artesia Blvd., Torrance.
The stamps will be available for purhase at both sites. In additional to the Richard Allen commemorative stamp, other Black Heritage stamps plus various Black Heritage souvenirs will be available.
Thousand Oaks Postmaster Linda Catuogno and Torrance Postmaster Tracy Jones will be on hand to help unveil the stamp. Hope UMC Senior Erika Gara says that she’s excited about hosting and particiapting in the stamp ceremony and concert., a first for her church. Ruth Conley, president of Black Methodist for Church Renewal (BMCR) for the Western Jurisdiction will also particiape in the ceremony as will Certified Lay Minister Bill Williams who is also the United Methodist Men’s President at Thousand Oaks UMC.
DSF’s performance will include recitation of poetry by authour and poet Langston Hughes: The Negro Speaks of Rivers and Let America Be America Again. The group will perform, also, their version of Old Man River.
There is no cost to attend the events, however, there will be free-will offerings.
Allen, once a UMC member, left the churched and formed the AME church after racial tensions within the UMC.
The events are being sponsored jointly by the Western Jurisdiction of United Methodist Men and the UMMen of the local churches.
For information call Larry Dozier, 310-365-1331, Bill Williams, 310-601-6751, or Andy Stamatelatos, 310-346-3423.
