The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections (ESPER) was founded by Esper G. Hayes. She started the club based on a promise she made to the great Olympian, Jesse Owens. Esper met the famous track star at a stamp show in the '70s. She stood in line for hours to get his autograph. She and Jesse were the only African Americans at the stamp show that day. During their conversation, Jesse mentioned that maybe Esper could do something to help Black people take pride in themselves, and she agreed. After his death in 1980, Esper turned her promise into a commitment. The Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections was organized in 1988 and is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the collecting of stamps and philatelic material depicting people and events related to the African Diaspora and to encouraging and supporting the interest and participation of Black people in all aspects of philately. The Society currently has almost 300 members throughout the United States and in other countries. Reflections, our award-winning quarterly newsletter, contains information and commentary about people of the African Diaspora on philatelic material from around the world. Many members spend time visiting schools to share their knowledge with children and others give presentations at stamp shows, local libraries, and civic centers to spread the hobby of philately and the history of African Americans. Our MISSION includes the following:1) To promote and foster an interest in the collection of philatelic material depicting people and events of the African diaspora. 2) To introduce African Americans to the hobby of philately (stamp collecting) and to enhance their collecting experience as well as to encourage and support their interest and participation in all aspects of the hobby. 3) To promote Black history in local schools, libraries, and civic centers through stamp collecting.