A new forever stamp

and this one was unveiled in the South Loop

01/31/2012 3:01 PM

By Bonnie McGrath

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I could only see it all through the window at Johnson Publishing on South Michigan Avenue this morning because it was too crowded in the lobby and they wouldn't let anyone else in. Especially if you didn't RSVP.


The latest forever stamp was introduced in the South Loop because it commemorates the late John H. Johnson, who ran the famous publishing company that publishes Ebony and Jet magazines. The building at 820 S. Michigan was sold to Columbia College Chicago a while back and Johnson Publishing is getting ready to move several blocks north into the Borg-Warner Building. But for now, the building is still carrying on the day to day business that Johnson started at a time when discrimination was so rampant, he couldn't even buy the lot upon which to build his publishing empire. A white lawyer bought the land for him in trust.

The Johnson stamp is the 35th in the Black Heritage series.

Hordes visited the building today to see the Post Office introduce the Johnson stamp to the public. African Americans with a lot of interest and pride in this development were so eager they were purchasing the stamp during the ceremony at tables in the back that I could see through the windows.

And philatelists, like my friend Mary's husband, Mike, couldn't wait to get over there either. To see history in the making. In fact, Mike, a South Looper, took a day off work to attend the event. Right here in his neighborhood.





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By Mary from South Loop
Posted: 01/31/2012 11:13 PM

This event was great! I did not know it was an RSVP event, but found out about it happenstance. We stood in line for about an hour prior to the event. We got in last minute to a standing room only setting. It was worth it! John Johnson is an inspiration. And who would have ever thought we would have a neighbor on a US postage stamp! Another reason to love Chicago!