The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections (ESPER)

The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections was organized in 1988 and is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the collecting of African Americans on stamps and the collecting of stamps by African Americans.

The Society currently has close to 300 members throughout the United States and in other countries. Its quarterly newsletter, Reflections contains information and commentary about people of the African Diaspora on philatelic material from around the world.

According to its website, "Reflections not only is an educational source of information but also provides an avenue for networking and stamp trading. Many members spend time visiting schools to share their knowledge with children. Others give presentations at stamp shows, local libraries, and civic centers to spread the hobby of philately and the history of African Americans."

Shown above, is a First Clyde Bowman Cachet of the 1978 Martin Luther King, Jr. Black Heritage Issue. This is a combination cover with stamps for Paul Dunbar, Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, W.C. Handy, and Frederick Douglass.

Had he not been assassinated in 1968, Dr. King would have been 83-years-old yesterday.

To learn more about ESPER, click here.