Postage Stamp In Honor Of Latimer

Found in a local newspaper.....

POSTAGE STAMP IN HONOR OF LATIMER: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced that she introduced a House resolution calling for a commemorative postage stamp that honors the life and legacy of Lewis Latimer, a Black American inventor and patent draftsman who settled in Queens in the early 1900s.

The Congresswoman introduced the resolution this month to commemorate the 175th birthday celebration of Latimer, which she attended on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Lewis Latimer House Museum in Flushing.

The museum is Latimer's final residence. It is where he lived with his family from 1903 until his death at the age of 80 in 1928, and today the facility highlights his work and legacy.

Latimer was the son of two escaped slaves, that eventually settled in Chelsea, Massachusetts. At 16, he joined the U.S. Navy, and served on the USS Massasoit during the Civil War. Latimer had a passion for mechanical drawings, which aided in his work in a patent law firm. He eventually took to inventing, and some of his notable inventions included an evaporative air conditioner, an improved process for manufacturing carbon filaments for light bulbs, and an improved toilet system for railroad cars. Latimer also worked with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison.

"Lewis Latimer's life and story is a real-life example of the American Dream, and a commemorative stamp honoring that story is a great way to recognize an amazing person who spent over two decades living in Queens, New York," said Rep. Meng. "Latimer's work, not only in the scientific community, but also for the advancement of civil rights for Black Americans cannot be understated. Despite his passing nearly a century ago, his contributions are still appreciated today, and honoring him with a commemorative stamp is just one way we can show that appreciation."

"A commemorative postal stamp honoring Lewis Latimer would celebrate a great Black American who, despite never progressing beyond grade school, became a legendary inventor, esteemed Edison pioneer, and author of the early 'bible' on incandescent lighting," said Hugh Price, Lewis Latimer's great grandnephew who also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of the Lewis Latimer House Museum. "He was a corporate trailblazer who helped light America and exemplified the indispensable contributions that those who all-too-often are marginalized and excluded can make when the gates of opportunity are open to everyone."

"Black history is American history, and Lewis Latimer is a perfect example," said Rep. Steven Horsford, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. "Born to escaped slaves in Massachusetts, he served in the U.S. Navy before becoming a patent draftsman. That career led him on a path that included drafting the necessary drawings for Alexander Graham Bell to patent the telephone. In his own right, he innovated designs for the lightbulb, toilets on railroad cars, air conditioning, and many other items. Today, as we work to ensure economic mobility and wealth building, it's important to recognize the story of a Black man in the 19th century who, despite slavery, the Civil War, and the rise of Jim Crow, was able to carve out a path of success."

"It's an honor to play a part in recognizing Lewis Latimer and his trailblazing life," said Rep. Gregory Meeks. "As a longtime resident of Queens, Latimer was able to build a legacy as a pioneering inventor, despite the racism and discrimination prevalent in 19th century America. I believe it's critical we recognize the heritage of our intellectual leaders, and Latimer's legacy of innovation is an exemplary example for our community."

More about Latimer's life can be viewed at www.lewislatimerhouse.org/about.