…a few thoughts from my heart - brotherjohn

In spite of adversity and limited opportunities, African Americans have played a significant Role in U.S. military history over the past 300 years. They were denied military leadership roles and skilled training because many believed they lacked qualifications for combat duty. Before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S military. Civil Rights organizations and the black press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of an all black pursuit squadron based in

Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1941.

Reflecting American society and law of the time, most black soldiers and sailors were restricted to labor battalions and other support positions. An experiment in the U.S. Army Air Corps, however, showed that given equal opportunity and training, black aviators could fly in, command and support combat units as well as anyone. The USAAF’S black fliers, the so called “Tuskegee Airmen”, served with distinction in combat and directly contributed to the eventual integration of the U.S. armed services, with the Air Force leading the way.

This is Black History month and we as a nation need to remember the invaluable contributions of our black brothers and sisters in service to their country. There is a new film which opened last month at theatres nationwide. This cinematic marvel chronicles the courage and patriotism of a very select group of airmen who fought in the European battle theatre.

Dr. Martin Luther King, whom we honor this month for his leadership and martyrdom in the Civil Rights Movement spoke to the value and need of judging one another not on the color of our skin but rather the content of our character.

Someday, may this be said of us all.

Peace and Joy,

brotherjohn

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