From: Apsken at aol.com Date: Thu, 31 May 2001 00:10:43 EDT
"Freedom Now!" is the title of Ken Lawrence's collection of political protest buttons and memorabilia, currently on display at the American Philatelic Building, 100 Oakwood Avenue, in State College, Pennsylvania.
The exhibit features colorful items distributed by popular movements for social change that arose during the past half century, not only in the United States, but in many other countries around the world.
Twelve frames include pin-back lapel buttons, tokens, key tags, and other small items inscribed with political slogans and solidarity messages. Stenciled t-shirts, bumper stickers, postal memorabilia, and a "Demonstrate!" protest poster, are shown in a large glass display case and larger frames.
Lawrence, a resident of State College since 1993, was a civil rights activist in Mississippi for more than 20 years. From the 1950s to the present, he has participated in popular movements of political struggle for equality, workers' rights, peace, social justice, and human dignity.
A well-known philatelic writer and consultant, he is a member and former vice president of the American Philatelic Society, the national nonprofit organization for stamp collectors. The APS headquarters building also is home to the American Philatelic Research Library and a Patton Township branch post office.
His other memberships pertinent to this exhibit are in these organizations: Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism, American Political Items Collectors, and the Cause Chapter of APIC.
A free self-guided tour booklet explains the historical context of each frame and display.
The exhibit, with descriptive programs, may be seen at the APS building, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, through July, and Saturday, June 23, 8 am to 4:30 pm. More information is available from the APS Education Department, 237-3803; kim at stamps.org, or Ken Lawrence, apsken at aol.com.