When we began this campaign to get Jeraldyne Blunden on a USPS postage stamp a mere 10 months ago, we figured collecting signed letters would be a multi-year project. However, and much to our delight, it took off like wildfire.

Locally, Dayton citizens eagerly signed their names. Those that knew Jeraldyne personally led the pack, followed by those who knew of her powerful influence on the local art scene. But even those who were unfamiliar with the great lady were excited by the prospect of a local hometown hero appearing on a postage stamp.

We had many local and national volunteers donate their time to the cause by collecting signatures from their places of work and worship. Some were DAG members. One particular tireless and devoted individual was retired Dayton Public School educator Patricia Day, who was responsible for gathering over 9000 signatures. It was Ms. Day who made possible the introduction of the campaign into the Dayton public schools as a Black History Month initiative. Those schools produced over 1700 signed letters, many hand-written. She also injected the effort into the Dayton Metro Library system, gathering signed letters at the main branch and at several satellites.

To a smaller but no less significant degree, we received assistance from Belinda Wright, David Hastings, Sharon Smith, Valerie Lee, Joyce Willis, Darlene West, Staci Shockley - Matthews, Terrelia Ogletree, Sheri “Sparkle” Williams, Dawn Wood-Carter, Karen Moon-Thomas and DCDC dancers Devin Baker, Countess Winfrey, and Willa Marks. And then there were the anonymous collectors who would show up at the office with a handful of 20 – 30 signed letters. Local churches contributed to the effort, including Omega Baptist Church, Phillips Temple, St. Benedict Catholic Church, and Wayman Chapel. Our thanks go out to Angela Burdon and Karen Wick-Gagnet for the beautiful design and printing of the postcard (pictured on the right).

On the national level, we received letters from friends as far away as Texas and California – thank you, DAG Members! An especially appropriate effort was handled through the Regional Dance America organization of which DCDC used to be a member. To that end, we received invaluable assistance from Cassandra Crowley, a founding member of RDA, Artistic Director of the Canton Ballet, and friend of Jeraldyne. We were able to collect letters at both the RDA Southeast and Northeast Festivals in April and May. We offer special thanks to Ms. Crowley and to Sara Sanford at the Alabama Dance Theatre, Lonnie Davis, Jr. dance educator in Atlanta and DAG member, Amy Jones Gibbons, DAG member and director of the University of Dayton Dance Ensemble, and our own JB Fellow Thaliyah Cools-Lartigue, as well as to the festival host companies in Alabama and Pennsylvania that allowed the initiative to proceed at their events.

To the literal thousands throughout the land who signed their names without hesitation, dedicating themselves to this cause, DCDC offers its heartfelt thanks.

What happens next?

These letters go to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee. The following is from the CSAC website.

“The Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) is appointed by the Postmaster General. The group selects subjects for recommendation as future stamp issues, made with all postal customers in mind, including stamp collectors.

Established in 1957, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) serves the Postmaster General of the United States (PMG). Using their collective expertise in history, science, technology, art, education, sports, and other areas of public interest, CSAC members consider and then recommend stamp subjects to the PMG for final approval.

CSAC meets quarterly. Meetings are closed and confidential. The Postal Service's Stamp Development staff handles all administrative matters and correspondence for the Committee.

There are currently 11 members: Gail Anderson, Peter Argentine, B. J. Bueno, Chair, Dr. Kevin Butterfield, Ivan Cash, Spencer Crew, Dr. Cheryl R. Ganz, Mike Harrity, Dr. Joseph L. Kelley, Roger R. Ream, and Harry Rinker.

The Postal Service welcomes suggestions for stamp subjects that celebrate the American experience. Any proposal that meets the established criteria will be considered.

Please note that due to the time required for research and approval, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three or more years prior to the proposed issuance year.

As of January 2018, no living persons will be honored on a stamp. Deceased individuals will be honored no earlier than three years after his or her death.

All suggestions that meet the criteria are presented to the Committee at the next quarterly meeting. Each proposal is presented without attribution and receives the same level of consideration.”

Because I get asked about who designs the stamp, I share the following, again from the CSAC website, as an FYI, and for those who may be interested in submitting their own artwork for consideration:

“Artwork for stamp designs

Stamp Development works with professional art directors to oversee the creation of stamp designs. The art directors, in turn, work with professional designers, artists, illustrators, and photographers to produce the stamp art, one of the most visible forms of public art.

The Postal Service issues approximately 35 stamps each year; a small percentage of those stamp designs are created by artists new to stamp design.

In order to have your work considered, please follow the submission guidelines below. Personal interviews are not granted.

• Submit a portfolio of samples in print form (tear sheets, color copies, etc.) that best represent your style of work. Samples are not returned; neither original art nor slides will be accepted.
• Do not submit artwork or photographs for a stamp subject for consideration. Unsolicited stamp designs will not be reviewed or considered.
• Mail your portfolio to the following address:

USPS Stamp Development
Attn: Stamp Design
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501

The Stamp Development design team reviews all submitted portfolios. Approved portfolios are placed in a talent file. This file is reviewed periodically as new stamp subjects are assigned. The Stamp Development design team makes artist selections in consultation with CSAC and the art directors.

The Stamp Development design staff assigns each contract. Contracts are flat fee; there is no competitive bid process.”