ESPER's 30th Anniversary celebration took place during the weekend of November 2-4, 2018, at the Embassy Suites in Crystal City, Virginia.  The Anniversary Committee under the leadership of Jean Lewis planned a few activities that included community outreach events at local schools and at the Anacostia Community Museum.  On Friday, we were invited to two local schools.  This was called ESPER Goes to School, “Inspiring Future Philatelists.”  Presentations were done at Hoffman-Boston Elementary School and Charles Drew Elementary School.  Members gave presentations on stamp collecting and Black history.

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On Friday afternoon, we had  “Stampin’ Around D.C.”  Several members and guests were on a chartered bus taking a tour of landmarks in the nation’s capital related to African Americans.  Our tour bus guide was ESPER member Dr. Norrece T. Jones, Jr., historian and retired Associate Professor of African American Studies and History at Virginia Commonwealth University.  Each tour attendee received a red D.C. tote bag, a special bus ID, and a “passport” (created by Betty Session).

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On Friday evening, ESPER members and guests got to meet and greet and mingle at the Blue Carpet Event, a welcome reception and an opportunity to show and tell about “My Favorite Stamp.”  The room included the ESPER banner, a special backdrop and blue carpeted area for photo ops, and the favorite stamps on display for review.

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On Saturday morning, several ESPER members went to the Smithsonian Anacostia Community  Museum for a fun- filled time with youngsters and adults alike.  Displays and hands-on activities helped the community learn about Black history and African Americans on stamps.  During the museum event, children were able to use props to dress up to look like Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, or A. Phillip Randolph.  Jean and Betty are working on putting the kids’ panels/ quilt together to be on display at the museum.  Our founder, Dr. Esper G. Hayes, spoke to children and parents.  Saturday afternoon we had workshops and a bourse (sales area) where philatelic items or related items could be purchased. 

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Saturday evening featured our 30th Anniversary’s Blue Velvet Banquet.  Our evening  affair included dinner, presentations of awards, a silent auction with 70 items up for bid, and door prizes.  Our special speaker was ESPER’s founder, Dr. Esper G. Hayes, whose message focused on pride.  During the evening’s affair, two student re-enactors were present and popular with the crowd.  They portrayed Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.

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Our anniversary ended on Sunday morning with breakfast and a general meeting.  We had attendees/representatives from 15 different states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

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