Re: USPS $0.50 stamps
MONIQUE SOL SONOQUIE (moso@mercury.sfsu.edu)
Thu, 8 Jun 1995 16:14:43 -0700
Last year, in a stamp machine on my campus they were selling Buffalo
Soldier stamps. My husband and I, along with other students and student
groups on campus tried to contact the postmaster general and make a
compliant. Though we had no success, we did approach the campus board
who was responsible for the machine contracts. After first
diplomatically asking them to remove the stamps, we finally had to
threaten WAR. Needless to say, that day they covered the machines and
the next day had them removed. The Buffalo Soldiers were African Slaves
who were forced into the military and forced to kill Indiginous peoples or
themselves be subject to violence.
My advice, talk to all of your family and friends, have them write
letters, or call the postmaster general and protest these stamps. When
you go into the post office, make a scene about how racist and
historically wrong it is. Without voicing our opinion, we will see no
change. It doesn't matter if you don't look Indiginous to this continent,
but if you identify with your Indiginous roots then be proud to stand up
for them. Tantae.
[ If anyone wishes to discuss this subject further, please do so on the
NATCHAT list. --Gary ]