Press Release: Clinton Center to Feature African-American Coin, Stamp Exhibit
Little Rock collector Al Ashley will display his unique and historic collection of African-American stamps and coins at the Clinton Presidential Center February 11 through February 28.
The Ashley exhibit commemorates Black History Month and is jointly sponsored by the Clinton Foundation, the Clinton Presidential Library and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
As part of the exhibit, Ashley will speak at the Clinton Center about his collection on Tuesday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m. His remarks will be preceded by a reception in his honor at 6 p.m. The reception and speech are free, but advance reservations are required and can be obtained by calling 501-370-8000.
Ashley began his collection in 1978. It pays tribute to African-Americans who have made major achievements throughout United States history including Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Dr. George Washington Carver, Duke Ellington, W.E.B. Du Bois, General Benjamin Davis, Jr., Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, Scott Joplin and Mary McLeod Bethune, among many others.
“I am very excited that the Al Ashley collection will be on display at my library,” said former President William J. Clinton. “I hope people will come see it and honor the accomplishments of the remarkable men and women featured in this exhibit.”
“People who have seen this collection have great things to say about it,” said Dr. David Alsobrook, director of the Clinton Library. “We are certainly pleased to share it with our many in-state and out-of-state visitors.”
“This is also an important educational exhibit,” said David Pryor, Dean of the Clinton School. “It is a walk through American history.”
In addition to stamps and coins, the Ashley collection features two rare anti-slavery tokens, one produced in Britain in 1795 and the other produced in the United States in 1838.
Ashley was born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, home of the Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University. As Ashley was growing up there, the Tuskegee Institute drew prominent African-Americans to the small town, many of whom Ashley met personally.
Ashley earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Texas Southern University at Houston and a masters degree in public administration from California State University at Hayward.
He retired after over 30 years of service from Stanford University where he served as a personnel officer. In addition to collecting, he continues providing opportunities for minority students as a consultant to the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.
For additional information contact:
Jordan Johnson
501 975-8332
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