By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER – Managing editor
Dozens of residents gathered at the Brewton Post Office on Wednesday to witness the unveiling of local artist Bernice Sims' stamp that officially went on sale in this town on Wednesday.
Lynn Reeves, post master for the Brewton Post Office, opened the ceremonies with a few words about Sims and the new stamps, entitled "To Form a More Perfect Union," which features 10 illustrations of memorable events that took place across the South during the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma-to-Montgomery March.
Reeves told admirers that the post office was "proud" to add the stamps and hopes that they will raise public interests.
The stamp is a reproduction of a painting entitled "Selma Bridge Crossing" that was drawn by Sims in 1991. The stamp depicts the Selma-to-Montgomery March.
At least 50 of the caches, which features different Civil Rights depictions on the left, Sims' stamp at the top right and a unique cancellation stamp with the date of Sept. 7 on it went on sale at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and sold out in minutes.
Moore said that he probably has about a doze of her paintings and loves the colors she uses.
Sims attended an unveiling of the stamp in Montgomery several weeks ago. At the unveiling in Brewton, she looked out at the gazers and said, "I think just about everyone here I know."
Anyone interested in ordering a special cache for $4, plus a book of stamps for $3.70, can contact Reeves at the post office at 867-4233.