The Alphabet Poster

The alphabet poster is one of US culture’s basic learning tools, and there are as many approaches as there are imaginative artists and designers, illustrating themes like animals, Disney characters, fruits and vegetables, Curious George, Peter Rabbit, and even “America’s Alphabet” (shown). But until November 1998, there was not one that embodied the values of the progressive community.

Over the eleven months preceding publication, the SCW ‘creative team’ (then Dik Cool, Karen Kerney, Melinda Matzell and Donna Tarbania) brainstormed poster content: each letter would feature objects, concept words, and (except in the case of ‘U’) the name of a person whose life in some way inspires and illuminates our common struggle for justice, freedom, peace and equality. Draft lists were circulated with the broader community of SCW staff, friends and families. And then Karen Kerney began cutting up old SCW calendars and posters to hand-craft 26 imaginatively detailed blocks.

Special attention was paid to making the poster a tool that parents and teachers could use to talk about important stories and concepts with their children, and Michael Messina-Yauchzy compiled the parents and teachers guide. The poster’s initial success spurred SCW to produce a placemat version in 2000, and both continue to sell strongly.

Over 10,000 posters and 4,500 placemats have been sold to date.