This is one of the articles I’ve written as an employee at the Stewart Webster Journal Patriot-Citizen. It was published on July 22, 2010, on the front page and continued on the first page of Section B.



The ceremony for the Negro Leagues Baseball First Day-of-Sale was held at Josh Gibson Youth and Family Resource Center in Buena Vista, Ga., on July 15, 2010.

Ralph T. Brown, mayor of Buena Vista, welcomed everyone to the ceremony. Gail B. Smith, Buena Vista Postmaster, acted as the master of ceremonies.

The Buena Vista Recreation Department Youth Baseball Team led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Smith then introduced the guest speaker, Julius E. Locklear, who presented the official dedication of the Negro Leagues Baseball commemorative stamps.

Locklear, South Georgia District Manager of the United States Postal Service, gave a brief history of the American Negro Leagues Baseball. He spoke of the changes that took place from the exclusion created by the Jim Crow Laws of the late 1800s through the disbanding of the Negro Leagues after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier of the major leagues.

Locklear recounted the talents of Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and James “Cool Papa” Bell, three 1930s players who dominated the Negro League. He also pointed out that of these three talented players only Paige was allowed to play in the major leagues.

Locklear also paid tribute to Roosevelt Jackson, a Negro League player, scout and manager for more than 40 years. In attendance, 92-year-old Jackson was then honored onstage as the commemorative Negro Baseball stamps were unveiled.

Reverend Ruby L. Youngblood, Pastor at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Buena Vista, then delivered the benediction. Smith followed with the closing statements.