PITTSBURGH /PRNewswire/ — In a significant gesture to honor African American culture, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has unveiled a new commemorative stamp celebrating Kwanzaa, a cherished Pan-African American holiday observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. The stamp, introduced during a ceremony at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, aims to spotlight the holiday’s profound cultural significance and its foundational principles.

Kwanzaa Stamp

The event was organized in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and featured a diverse array of speakers and performers, emphasizing the role of community and tradition in the Kwanzaa celebration. “The Postal Service’s goal is to create stamps that resonate with people from all walks of life,” remarked Roderick Sallay, USPS director of legislative policy and strategy development. “The issuance of this Kwanzaa stamp is a powerful symbol of the enduring principles of the holiday. It recognizes Kwanzaa’s ability to inspire and unite people through its emphasis on community, self-determination, and collective responsibility.”

The Kwanzaa stamp is the tenth issued by USPS since 1997 and is a tribute to the holiday’s seven guiding principles—unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani). Each year, millions of African Americans gather with loved ones during the week of Kwanzaa, reflecting on the significance of these values while celebrating a rich cultural heritage.

William M. Dulaney, ASALH president, praised the recognition of Kwanzaa’s cultural importance, stating, “By its issuance of a holiday stamp that honors Pan-African family and culture, the USPS affirms its belief that diversity is America’s strength, and thereby invites all Americans to celebrate with us in late December.”

The newly designed stamp, created by artist Ekua Holmes, draws inspiration from a live performance by dancers at the OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center during a Kwanzaa event in Roxbury, MA. The artwork features three young performers: a male drummer in a colorful kufi and intricately designed pants, flanked by two female dancers adorned in vibrant orange dresses. The design incorporates elements of the Pan-African flag with its vivid colors and West African motifs, showcasing the continuity and evolution of African American traditions.

Art director Ethel Kessler collaborated with Holmes to bring the stamp’s vibrant imagery to life. The Kwanzaa stamp will be issued as a Forever stamp, sold in panes of 20, and will always hold the same value as the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate. Enthusiasts and collectors can find the stamp and other postal products via the USPS Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, or at local Post Office locations nationwide.

News of the Kwanzaa stamp is being circulated online with the hashtag #KwanzaaStamps, inviting people across the country to partake in the celebration of this meaningful holiday that reaffirms cultural identity, community ties, and collective resilience.

As Kwanzaa approaches, the USPS Kwanzaa stamp serves not only as a means of communication but as a beacon of cultural pride and unity, reminding all Americans of the rich tapestry that is woven from shared values and diverse backgrounds.

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Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

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Stephanie Spera, University of Richmond

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Why can’t it always be summer? – Amanda, age 5, Chile

With its long days just itching to be spent by water doing nothing, summer really can be an enchanting season. As Jenny Han wrote in the young adult novel “The Summer I Turned Pretty”: “Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”

But all good things must come to an end, and summer cannot last forever. There’s both a simple reason and a more complicated one. The simple reason is that it can’t always be summer because the Earth is tilted. The more complicated answer requires some geometry.

I’m a professor of geography and the environment who has studied seasonal changes on the landscape. Here’s what seasons have to do with our planet’s position as it moves through the solar system.

This animation shows why the Earth has seasons.

Closeness to the Sun doesn’t explain seasons

First, you need to know that the Earth is a sphere – technically, an oblate spheroid. That means Earth has a round shape a little wider than it is tall.

Every year, Earth travels in its orbit to make one revolution around the Sun. The Earth’s orbit is an ellipse, which is more like an oval than a circle. So there are times when Earth is closer to the Sun and times when it’s farther away.

A lot of people assume this distance is why we have seasons. But these people would be wrong. In the United States, the Earth is 3 million miles closer to the Sun during winter than in the summer.

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Spinning like a top

Now picture an imaginary line across Earth, right in the middle, at 0° latitude. This line is called the equator. If you drew it on a globe, the equator would pass through countries including Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia and Ecuador.

Everything north of the equator, including the United States, is considered the Northern Hemisphere, and everything south of the equator is the Southern Hemisphere.

Now think of the Earth’s axis as another imaginary line that runs vertically through the middle of the Earth, going from the North Pole to the South Pole.

As it orbits, or revolves, around the Sun, the Earth also rotates. That means it spins on its axis, like a top. The Earth takes one full year to revolve around the Sun and takes 24 hours, or one day, to do one full rotation on its axis.

This axis is why we have day and night; during the day, we’re facing the Sun, and at night, we’re facing away.

But the Earth’s axis does not go directly up and down. Instead, its axis is always tilted at 23.5 degrees in the exact same direction, toward the North Star.

The Earth’s axis is tilted due to a giant object – perhaps an ancient planet – smashing into it billions of years ago. And it’s this tilt that causes seasons.

It’s all about the tilt

So that means in June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun. That tilt means more sunlight, more solar energy, longer days – all the things that make summer, well, summer.

At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun. So countries such as Australia, Chile and Argentina are experiencing winter then.

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To say it another way: As the Earth moves around the Sun throughout the year, the parts of the Earth getting the most sunlight are always changing.

Fast-forward to December, and Earth is on the exact opposite side of its orbit as where it was in June. It’s the Southern Hemisphere’s turn to be tilted toward the Sun, which means its summer happens in December, January and February.

If Earth were not tilted at all, there would be no seasons. If it were tilted more than it is, there would be even more extreme seasons and drastic swings in temperature. Summers would be hotter and winters would be colder.

Defining summer

Talk to a meteorologist, climate scientist or author Jenny Han, and they’ll tell you that for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is June, July and August, the warmest months of the year.

But there’s another way to define summer. Talk to astronomers, and they’ll tell you the first day of summer is the summer solstice – the day of the year with the longest amount of daylight and shortest amount of darkness.

The summer solstice occurs every year sometime between June 20 and June 22. And every day after, until the winter solstice in December, the Northern Hemisphere receives a little less daylight.

Summer officially ends on the autumnal equinox, the fall day when everywhere on Earth has an equal amount of daylight and night. The autumnal equinox happens every year on either September 22 or 23.

But whether you view summer like Jenny Han or like an astronomer, one thing is certain: Either way, summer must come to an end. But the season and the magic it brings with it will be back before you know it.

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Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

Stephanie Spera, Assistant Professor of Geography and the Environment, University of Richmond

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, October arrives as a powerful reminder of resilience and awareness. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness; it’s about action, education, and community support. With over 360,000 people projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. in 2024, this month serves as a crucial time to reflect on the impact of this disease and the importance of early detection.

The Statistics Behind the Cause

Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1,000 men in the United States. This staggering statistic highlights the urgency to be proactive. However, there is hope. Thanks to advancements in medical technology and research, early detection methods have improved significantly. When breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is an impressive 99%. This underscores the importance of regular screenings, self-examinations, and awareness campaigns like those organized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Among the many important dates in October, October 13 stands out as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), which occurs when breast cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It is crucial to recognize that while advancements have been made, MBC remains a significant challenge within the breast cancer community. This day serves as a reminder that we must advocate for more research, better treatments, and comprehensive support for those living with this stage of breast cancer.

The Role of the National Breast Cancer Foundation

The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. (NBCF) plays a vital role in this month-long awareness initiative. Their mission, “Helping Women Now®,” focuses on providing education, support, and resources to women and families affected by breast cancer. With a commitment to early detection, NBCF encourages individuals to act, reminding us that being proactive can save lives. Whether through scheduling mammograms, performing self-exams, or simply spreading awareness, every action counts.

The Importance of Community Support

Breast cancer is not just a statistic; it affects real lives, families, and communities. Throughout October, communities come together to support those impacted by breast cancer. From fundraising events to educational seminars, the collective efforts aim to foster a sense of camaraderie and hope. It’s a time to remind those suffering that they are not alone in their journey.

Participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month can take many forms, whether it’s wearing pink, sharing stories on social media, or advocating for breast cancer research. Each act of kindness and awareness helps to amplify the message and promote a culture of support and understanding.

Taking Action

As we move through October, let us not forget the importance of taking action. Schedule a mammogram, perform a self-exam, and encourage friends and family to do the same. Educate yourself about the signs of breast cancer and stay informed about the latest advancements in treatment and support.

October is a month of awareness, hope, and action. By shining a light on breast cancer and recognizing specific awareness days like Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, we can foster a community that supports those affected and works towards a future where breast cancer no longer holds the same fear it does today. Let’s come together to make a difference—because every action counts in the fight against breast cancer.

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For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how you can get involved, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website at NBCF. Together, we can help raise awareness and support those in need.

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

https://www.komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

https://www.breastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month