The story behind the Great
American Negro Calendar

People of African descent have rightfully been called America's oldest immigrant minority. Yet until recently American history books have referred only to slavery and have ignored the continuous contributions of the Negro since the Age of Exploration.

America is now rediscovering these "lost" notable black Americans and according them their rightful place in history. Their story throughout the Colonial past, the 19th Century and present day is a fascinating story, a story that can help to extend the true spirit of brotherhood through understanding throughout the length and breadth of our great country.

In July, 1968, George A. Beach, distinguished graphic designer and a group of prominent citizens who recognized the need to commemorate the Negro's contribution to our nation, established The American Negro Commemorative Society.

The Society became the first to create an heirloom collection of limited-edition Sterling Silver medals honoring the Great American Negroes who have contributed so richly to our nation's heritage.

The award winning series of medals issued by the Society have served as the inspiration for the portraits and picture stories that are illustrated in this calendar.

George A. Beach (left), creator of the Calendar and head of The American Negro Commemorative Society and George Beach Inc., Philadelphia, is shown with the Calendar's illustrator, Calvin Massey.

The demand for this educational calendar series, now in its sixth year with nearly four million copies distributed across the country, substantiates the interest among blacks and whites alike in the black man's heritage and cultural contributions.

The Fidelity Bank hopes that this calendar will serve to further enlighten all Americans, regardless of their race, creed or color, in the meaningful role of the Negro in American tradition, and thereby, inspire brotherhood through understanding.

BROTHERHOOD THROUGH UNDERSTANDING

THE FIDELITY BANK

© 1974 SHAW-BARTON

All rights reserved to Shaw-Barton, George Beach Inc. and The American Negro Commemorative Society, Inc.

Nothing herein may be reproduced or published without the written consent of Shaw-Barton, George Beach Inc. and The American Negro Commemorative Society, Inc.

THE FIDELITY BANK

SERVING SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The story about the Great American Negro Calendar

George A. Beach, creator of the Calendar and head of The American Negro Commemorative Society and George Beach Art and Design Studios, is shown consulting with the illustrator, Calvin Massey.

Few Americans, black or white, know the full story of the American Negro's role in history. It is a fascinating story, a story that can help to extend the

In July, 1968, George A. Beach, head of George Beach Art and Design Studios, Philadelphia, and a group of prominent associates who recognized the need to commemorate the Negro's contribution to our nation, established The American Negro Commemorative Society.

The Society became the first to create an heirloom collection of limited-edition Sterling Silver Medal tributes to the Great American Negroes who have made significant contributions to our nation's heritage.

The medals issued by the Society have served as the inspiration for the picture stories that are illustrated in this calendar. We hope that this calendar will serve to enlighten all Americans, regardless of their race, creed, or color, in the meaningful role of the Negro in American tradition, and thereby, inspire brotherhood through understanding.

© SHAW-BARTON 1970

All rights reserved to Shaw-Barton, George Beach Studios, and The American Negro Commemorative Society, Inc.

Nothing herein may be reproduced or published without the written consent of Shaw-Barton, George Beach Studios, and The American Negro Commemorative Society, Inc.