Greeting Cards Are Created For African Americans

CINCINNATI - Artist Ardie Sayers and her husband, former NFL running back Gale Sayers, have joined with a Cincinnati greeting-card company to create a line of cards for African-American consumers.

The Family Collection line is licensed by Gibson Greetings Inc. On the back of each card is a photo of the Sayerses and the inscription, "This card is one of a special collection designed to celebrate the pride, heritage and values of the African-American community."

Some cards carry statements by African-American scientists, athletes and activists - George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, Jesse Owens and Martin Luther King Jr.

"In America, anyone can still become somebody. That includes you. . . . Jesse Owens," reads the message on one card.

Ardie Sayers said she and the Gibson creative staff discuss details of each card - the theme, captions, verse, design.

"They have such wonderful talent to listen," she said. "Because I am an African American, there is no way they would know the things I know."

One card depicting a block party, with balloons and a Happy Birthday banner, was her husband's idea.

"Gale lived in the projects in Omaha, Neb.," she said. "And he said, `Do something to show how people used to get together to celebrate children's birthdays and family reunions.' "

One card reproduces the mural depicting a black Jesus and Mary in the dome of Quinn Chapel AME Church, home of the oldest African-American congregation in Chicago.

Another reprints King's "I have a dream" speech on the front. Inside, it says "May you always have a dream of how things ought to be, and find a way to make your dream become reality."

The cards are just beginning to appear on retail shelves. Gibson is expanding the line from 16 cards to 85, said a spokeswoman.