This book is written for several reasons. The first is to give recognition to Prince Hall and Prominent Prince Hall Masons on philatelic materials (Stamps, First Day Covers, Post Cards) and their achievements and contributions to the history of the United States.
The second is to educate and inform Prince Hall Masons, their families, and America about the achievements and contributions of other noted African Americans on philatelic materials. (i.e. inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, government officials, musicians, writers, and athletes, etc.)
The third is to educate Prince Hall Masons about the history of stamp collecting and how and who decides who is placed on a stamp.
The fourth is to educate via philatelics (stamp collecting) and to promote the hobby of philatelic materials, especially the collecting of African Americans on stamps, post cards, and first day covers.
About The Author
Sherrod N. Gresham, Jr. was born in Richmond Virginia on August 21, 1954 to Mr. Sherrod and Mrs. Sara Gresham. He grow up in West Pont Va. Which is a small town located forty Miles east of Richmond, Va. He’s the middle child of three Children. He attended Beverly Allen Elementary School from 1960 to June 1965. The 1954 decision (Brown VS The Board of Education) was implement in the Virginia School System in 1965. As a result He attended West Point Elementary School in the fall of 1965. In 1974 he graduated from West Point High School. He than entered St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC. Sherrod spent the summer breaks (1975 – 1977) working in a paper mill in his home town (West Point, Va.) Earning enough money to buy gas for his car a 1965 Falcon, books and Clothes. In 1978 he graduated from St. Augustine’s College with a B.A. Degree in Sociology and Social Welfare. Since December of 1978 to presents. Sherrod Gresham has worked in human services. A dedication and commitment of nearly 30 years to neglected abused youth and Families. He currently is director of foster care and adoption services for Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh, North Carolina. His career in human services revealed many children and adults did not know their cultural and American history.His Motto is from Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Simple put, Faith makes Hope possible. Hope is believing in spite of the evidence and then watching the evidence change. As a collector of stamps for approximately 18 years, Sherrod realized that he could reach youths and adults in a creative way by helping them learn their heritage through the presentation of stamp collecting. As a result in 1992, he founded S & O Educational Resources, Inc. for the purpose of stamping out ignorance through the promotion of Multi Cultural education via the use of stamps, dancing dolls, and other Multi cultural materials.
Reviews
This book is a “must” read for members of the Masonic Family, Prince Hall or Non Prince Hall, and a “should” read to anyone interested in the History of America and our impact on the World.Jerry (Iceman) Butler Grand Master Prince Hall Masons State of Illinois & Jurisdictions
Sherrod N. Gresham has done an excellent job collecting and preparing this book on “Prominent Prince Hall Masons On Philatelic Materials: Stamps, First Day Covers and Postcards”. May God continue to bless you in persevering our African American History and Masonic Heritage.James H. Petty 33° Right Worshipful Grand Tiler The most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of N.C.
This book is one of the most progressive and most current. It is a must for everyone, more especially the Prince Hall Masonic families. In reading this you will learn about our heritage and the people that made it possible. Thank you, Sherrod N. Gresham for this impressive work.
Charles R. Smith, 33° P.M. Grand Trustee Jurisdiction of NC
In a world full of conflict and strife that is often based on the negative perceptions of the contributions of the “other” Sherrod Gresham has offered a gift of profound insight and simplicity revealing our source of strength, wisdom, and our ability to create and initiate. This book is a most valuable resource for Prince Hall Masons, their families, and others who appreciate and understand the African American struggle, their achievements, and contributions. Vernon L. Perry Past Deputy Grand Master Prince Hall Grand Lodge of N. C.It has been my pleasure to call Sherrod Gresham a good friend, he is a man of great character and through the research and writing of this book he has proven what I have already known. Sherrod Gresham is committed to informing, enlightening and educating African Americans and society on a whole of the many contributions, achievements, and historical significance of the many unrecognized, under-discovered African American Heroes, in particular Prince Hall, the founder and Master of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodges. As a Past District Deputy Grand Master I am privileged and honored to endorse this book.Thomas E. Rogers Past District Deputy Grand Master This Book arouses the powerful emotions a Masonic brother feels or has felt about Prince Hall Masonic Lodges and makes one proud to be affiliated with the oldest fraternity in the Western hemisphere. The collection of African American stamps, post cards and first day covers are informative and educational. Enhance your horizon, read this book.Walter NoblePast Worshipful MasterRhamkatte Lodge # 827Raleigh, NC The most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of N.C.
