DonateLocal African-American Hero Honored with Stamp
March 26, 2007
Indianapolis - A man who has left an indelible stamp in time in Indianapolis history will be honored with a stamp of his own tomorrow. On Friday, March 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin, O.S.B., President of Martin University, will be honored during a stamp unveiling in Martin University's Gathertorium.
Fr. Hardin founded Martin University in 1977. At 73 years of age, he will celebrate Martin's 30th anniversary in August, making him the oldest known, if not the only, African-American founding president still in position today.
Remarkably, Hardin bares an uncanny resemblance to Frederick Douglass, both physically and civically. The similarity is clearly shown on the stamp, which was created from a photo of Hardin taken by photographer Chris Minnick.
Hardin won the admiration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his leadership during the civil-rights movement, consulted the Indianapolis Public Schools on their integration policies, and helped such prominent companies as Eli Lilly and AT&T initiate their first affirmative action programs. He has received awards in the fields of religion, health, education, and community service, including "International Citizen of the Year" (International Center of Indianapolis), "Indiana Living Legend" (Indiana Historical Society), special recognition in "Who's Who in Black Indianapolis," and honorary doctorates from eight universities.
The night's events will begin at 5 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception followed by the unveiling at 6 p.m. Stamps will be available for purchase at 6:30 p.m., at which time Fr. Hardin will be available to sign and personalize the items.
Single stamps will be sold for $25 or in groups of ten, framed and matted, for $200. All proceeds from the event will go towards Martin University's Annual Fund to support the school.
Martin University is located at 2171 Avondale Place, Indianapolis, IN 46218. For more information, call Martin University at 317-917-3376 or visit them on the web at www.martin.edu.