Ernest Gaines to Be Honored With His Image on a U.S. Postage Stamp

The late Ernest J. Gaines, the celebrated author and long-time educator at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is being honored by having his image appear on a U.S. postage stamp. The stamp will feature an oil painting based on a photograph that portrays a stoic, poised Gaines wearing his trademark beret.

“Dr. Gaines’ stamp offers an impressive representation of the man I knew and admired, and it reminds me of the immeasurable grace, strength, and character he displayed throughout his life and through his words,” said Joseph Savoie, president of the University of Louisiana Lafayette. “More importantly, it acknowledges and affirms his belief in the inherent commonality of people and his unflinching courage in reminding us of the need to continually address some of the darkest chapters in our collective past.”

Professor Gaines taught at the University of Louisiana Lafayette from 1983 to 2010. He was the author of nine novels and several short stories. Among Gaines’ most famous works are The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, In My Father’s House, and A Lesson Before Dying.

Ernest Gaines was born on the River Lake Plantation in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, where his ancestors had toiled as slaves. His parents were sharecroppers. At the age of 15, he moved to California because the local high school did not allow African Americans to enroll. Gaines was a graduate of San Francisco State University. He earned a master of fine arts degree at Stanford University.

Professor Gaines died in 2019.

Related Articles

1 COMMENT

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Morgan State University Breaks HBCU Record for Patents Awarded in 2023

“Our commitment to prioritize research is compounded by our unbridled support for Morgan faculty and students to pursue patents for their innovations. We see this framework as a critical component to how universities significantly contribute to technological advancements and improve society," said Wille May, vice president of Morgan State University.

Four African Americans Appointed to University Administrative Positions

The appointments are Donald R. Pearsall at Alabama A&M University, Padonda Webb at North Carolina A&T State University, Michael Scales at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dawn Leaks Ragsdale at Yale University.

In Memoriam: Shani Mott, 1976-2024

Dr. Mott was a lecturer in the department of history and Center for Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University where she worked for the past sixteen years. Her academic studies focused on racial language in American popular culture.

California State University Sacramento Launches Black Honors College

Officially launching for the fall 2024 semester, the Black Honors College will support students from all backgrounds who study Black history, life, and culture by providing them with a specialized curriculum and mentoring opportunities.

Featured Jobs