Black History Month Collection Provides Inspiration, Connections to Family Events

New Cards From American Greetings Pay Tribute to Iconic African Americans

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Feb 04, 2010, 10:00 ET

CLEVELAND, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Each February as we take the time to celebrate the rich history of African Americans, we also pause to reflect on the special relationships that intertwine the community so closely. The 2010 line of Black History Month greeting cards from American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is filled with warm and encouraging cards that not only illustrate the accomplishments of African Americans, but the importance of connecting with friends and family.

One year after the election of the first African American President of The United States, the Obamas are featured on four special cards that celebrate the first family, their loving relationship, and their speeches. Also included in the collection are a variety of sentiments such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, and friendship. From the inspirational messages from Pastor T.D. Jakes and empowering words from boxing legend Muhammad Ali to the popular Ebony Inspirations collection, there's something for everyone and every occasion.

"A shared history binds the African American community together, but it's taking the time to really express our feelings toward one another that brings us closer, especially when celebrating milestone events in each other's lives," said Vanita Marzette, merchant manager for Black History Month at American Greetings. "This doesn't have to begin and end with Black History Month, but it does serve as a reminder."

Black History Month began by recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans during a one-week period of 1926, which was later expanded to the entire month of February in 1976. With over 39 million African Americans in the United States today, there's a deep appreciation for the impact that African Americans have had, and continue to have, on American history.

The 2010 collection of Black History Month cards from American Greetings can be found at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide. For more information, including store locations, please visit www.corporate.americangreetings.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amgreetings.

About American Greetings Corporation

For more than 100 years, American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) has been a manufacturer and retailer of innovative social expression products that assist consumers in enhancing their relationships. The Company's major greeting card brands are American Greetings, Carlton Cards, Gibson, Recycled Paper Greetings and Papyrus, and other paper product offerings include DesignWare party goods, American Greetings and Plus Mark gift-wrap and boxed cards. American Greetings also has the largest collection of electronic greetings on the Web, including cards available at AmericanGreetings.com through AG Interactive, Inc. (the Company's online division). AG Interactive also offers digital photo sharing and personal publishing at PhotoWorks.com and Webshots.com and a one-stop source for online graphics and animations at Kiwee.com. In addition to its product lines, American Greetings also creates and licenses popular character brands through the American Greetings Properties group. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual revenue of approximately $1.7 billion, and its products can be found in retail outlets domestically and worldwide. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.

SOURCE American Greetings Corporation