DURHAM -- Guests at N.C. Central University's 100th Birthday Bash who arrive with a self-stamped envelope next week can have it “canceled” with an official commemorative Centennial cancellation.
The U.S. Postal Service designed and produced the special cancellation stamp to mark the university's founding. NCCU welcomed its first students on campus on July 5, 1910.
The 100th Birthday Bash will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, on the Brant Street plaza. There will be open parking throughout campus. The closest lot is off Lawson Street west of Fayetteville Street. Parking and shuttle service will be offered from St. Titus and St. Joseph's churches.
Mail “canceled” by an official stamp used by the U.S. Postal Service indicates that the postage stamp cannot be used again. The special cancellation stamp includes an image of Dr. James E. Shepard, the school's founder, and the words “100 Years.” It also designates NCCU as “Centennial Celebration Station” for July 8.
Acting Durham Postmaster Michael King will unveil the special cancellation stamp at the start of the Birthday Bash. Later, a postal clerk will cancel stamped envelopes presented by party-goers. People attending the birthday party can bring their own self-stamped envelope. The Postal Service also will have stamps and envelopes for sale.
In addition, the Postal Service will give away a large framed poster of its Malcolm X stamp, one in a series of “Black Heritage” postage stamps. Everyone who has an envelope canceled will receive a ticket for the raffle.
