On Friday, Morehouse College hosted a ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new John Lewis Forever Stamp.
The stamp honoring iconic Morehouse alum John Lewis was announced in late 2022 for the upcoming year and unveiled by both parties of the U.S. House in June.
According to Rough Draft Atlanta, the two-hour ceremony at Morehouse, which coincided with the on-sale date of a “forever” stamp, was likened to a ‘celebration of life’ church service.
The celebration was hosted by esteemed actress Alfre Woodard and was attended by Georgia senators John Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, former Atlanta mayors Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin, and Lewis’ former staffers, family, and neighbors. The event also featured the musical selections of the Ebenezer Baptist Church choir.
Many speakers reflected on John Lewis’ life and legacy and shared memories and the impact the congressman has had on their lives.
“It wasn’t just his words and courage but his humility that influenced me to go into public life and to vote every time,” former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin shared.
“John was able to see people with his heart, rather than with his mind, and that made all the difference,” Peggy Wallace Kennedy, daughter of segregationist and former Alabama Gov. George Wallace said. “Peace and love abided with his heart, that is the man I shall always remember.”
“His life is a testament to the power we all have to create the country that lives up to the ideals that John Lewis fought for, and this stamp is a reminder of that power and those ideals,” Ron Stroman, a Governor of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service, said at the event.
The John Lewis Forever Stamp is available now at your local post office.
