“Music & Philately” Part I with Della Moses Walker and Ashley Turnbull

“Music & Philately” Part I with Della Moses Walker and Ashley Turnbull

Thursday, February 12th 6 pm ET (11 PM London)

From jazz clubs to concert halls, Black American musicians transformed global culture—and their legacy has been honored on postage stamps around the world. This engaging presentation explores how iconic figures such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Ethel Waters, John Coltrane,bb Jimi Hendrix and James Weldon Johnson have been commemorated through philately. These stamps are more than postage—they are cultural artefacts that reflect changing social attitudes, artistic innovation, and long-overdue story about how these musical icons have left their mark on the world.
We will explore the topic and the musicians using striking philatelic examples from the United States and abroad, including issues that honour jazz, blues, gospel, and rock legends whose influence crossed borders and generations. Whether you’re a collector, music enthusiast, or history lover, this presentation brings together art, music, and storytelling to show how tiny pieces of paper preserve some of the biggest names in cultural history. Expect rare visuals, fascinating context, and insights into how stamp design itself tells a story.

About Della Moses Walker
Della rekindled her passion for philately after joining ESPER, where she served as the New Jersey Chapter Director. She organized the current ESPER Education Committee, which sponsors Zoom presentations for people of all ages, focusing on engaging and teaching youth about stamp collecting.

A music enthusiast, Della played the string bass during her teenage years. She is a retired real estate professional and has also served as a trustee for various organizations in the Newark, NJ, community.

Della deeply cherishes her daughter, Della Jr., her grandsons Jaylen and Chris, and the many members of her extended family.
About Ashley Turnbull
Ashley Turnbull has served on the boards of various community-based organizations as a Volunteer, Board Member, and Team Leader. He holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University, NY, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Seton Hall University. Ashley has over 35 years of technical training and presentation experience, and is a Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), CompTIA Certified Technical Classroom and Virtual Classroom Trainer.
He is an active 45-year member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a proud Father of Daughter, Aunjah, and Son, Jeric. Ashley is a member of the ESPER Education Committee and serves as ESPER's endearing photographer.
About ESPER
ESPER was established in 1988 and currently has nearly 300 members across the United States and in other countries.
The society publishes an award-winning quarterly newsletter, *Reflections*, and maintains an award-winning website at www.ESPERstamps.org. According to our members, both the newsletter and website are “second to none.”
**Our Mission**
1. To promote interest in the collection of philatelic material that depicts people and events of the African diaspora.
2. To introduce African Americans to the hobby of philately and enhance their collecting experience, encouraging support for their interests and participation in all aspects of the hobby.
3. To help provide educational scholarships.
4. To promote Black history in local schools, libraries, and civic centers through stamp collecting.
5. To provide lectures and presentations at national and local philatelic events.
6. To assist in the establishment of youth philatelic clubs.

LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6417684306207/WN_YYCOP3oFRg-PcWTsTy7l_wb