start a rumor monday: hallmark announces new line of cards

mahogany® to add new line of greeting cards

hallmark brand mahogany has decided to add more greeting cards to its ever-growing line focusing on african american consumers. drinking gourd®-- mahogany's antebellum inspired line of cards predominantly intended to express provactive and romantic love--is set to launch in mid-june, approximately the same time juneteenth celebrations are to commence throughout the country.

according to their website, "mahogany features more than 800 cards to help african americans honor their relationships in innovative, compelling and culturally-relevant ways. the brand offers cards for several holidays, as well as a full range of everyday occasions... hallmark has been creating cards that speak to african-american culture since the 1960s. in order to ensure ongoing cultural relevancy, the mahogany creative planning team conducts extensive research to stay abreast of current trends and events in the african-american community and to increase their understanding of african-american culture, traditions and heritage."

drinking gourd will undoubtedly continue this tradition.

drinking gourd takes its cues from the african american slave past (and, seemingly, r&b songs). unequivocally speaking to "african american culture", drinking gourd seeks to express its consumers' romantic desires for their partner(s). though consumers won't be able to purchase drinking gourd cards until the spring, mahogany gave the media a sneak preview. mahogany's team of african american writers and artists is working on cards that include lines such as:

"i wanna swing low in your sweet chariot."

"let me lick your river jordan."

"loving you makes me feel free."

"a love like ours could never be auctioned."

"i am shackled to my desire for you."

"whenever we're together, it's as if we're in high cotton."

though mahogany has yet to determine whether or not to permanently add the line, african american and nigger loving consumers can rest assured that the cards will be available nation-wide through valentine's day 2007.

check back at fecundmellow for updates on this story.