Education
George Watson Sr.: Legendary Tuskegee
On September 21, 2013, the Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club honored an original Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. George Watson Sr.
On September 21, 2013, the Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club honored an original Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. George Watson Sr.
This event was held at the VFW post in Asbury Park, N.J. The members of the Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club are Mr. Harry Bray, President, Mr. Lee Williams, Vice President, Mr. Jimmy Hoffman, Chaplin, Mr. Gilbert Davis, Sergeant at
Arms, Ms. Kim Montgomery, Business Manager, Mrs. Felicia Ford, Secretary, Mr. Lloyd Pearson, Road Captain, Mrs. Susan Hoffman, Business Associate, and Mr. Willie Gil, Member. Also in attendance at this event was Vietnam Veteran George Reed.
Mr. George Watson’s life is enriched with history. The following information is taken out of the Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club’s program which talks about Mr. Watson’s life.
“George Watson Sr. was born in Wildwood, NJ. He attended schools in the cities of Neptune, Asbury Park and Lakewood NJ. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1941.
On February 25, 1942 – Mr. Watson volunteered for the United States Army. Following a short stay at Fort Dix, NJ, he was one of many whom were selected and sent to Tuskegee, Alabama for what became the ‘Tuskegee Experiment.’
Mr. Watson served in Italy during World War II with the 96th and 523rd Service Groups and 332nd Fighter Group. While in Italy, he took part in OPERATION FUEL TANKS, better known as the unauthorized procurement.
He was with the 332nd Fighter Wing when segregation ended in the Air Force. He also served in many overseas assignments to include Germany, England, Turkey and Iran. In March of 1944, Mr. Watson was injured by shrapnel to his knees and ankles when the Germans dropped bombs in a raid. For fear of being transferred, he did not report his injuries. He retired after 26 years of service from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. as an aircraft and missile electrician. After his military service, he spent 15 years with New Jersey Bell Telephone Company.
Mr. Watson was the first African American to serve as recruiter for the Army and Air Force in Trenton, Lakewood and Asbury Park, N.J. from 1951 through 1955.
Even after military retirement Mr. Watson continued to carry on the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy. He received many civic awards amongst those was the National Tuskegee Airmen Lifetime Award. He wrote a few small books and provided excerpts for other books and he also contributed to the making of the Red Tails Movie. He has mentored hundreds; he has given many speeches at schools, military events, honorable dinners, bases, and community events to name a few. He has received many U.S. Military awards – which finally included the highly distinguished ‘Purple Heart’ on May 10, 2010 for his injuries 66 years ago. Today, Mr. Watson is enjoying life at 92 years old and receiving continued blessings from his contribution to history and his contributions to all of us present.”
In additional events, Asbury Park Middle School Student Xavier Berardesco along with his teachers Mr. Mason, teacher of 7th grade science, and Mr. Wronko, teacher of 7th grade Social Studies, presented Mr. Watson with Xavier’s drawing of a Tuskegee Airplane. Mr. Watson was pleased with Xavier’s drawing and told him to keep up with the good work.
In closing, besides meeting the Tuskegee Airmen Mr. George Watson Sr., Brian Boyce, known as Major B., gave Xavier a tour of the World War II museum at the VFW post. The museum consists of numerous dioramas of WWII battles, pictures, books etc. Major Boyce wants Xavier to come back and use his art skills to draw some of the machines that were used during WWII. Xavier agreed.
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Culture
‘A Different World’ cast set to reunite for 10-City HBCU tour
The tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by stops in Washington DC, Montgomery, Alabama and more.
In celebration of the sitcom’s 35+ year legacy, the cast of ‘A Different World’ will reunite for a national 10-city tour across HBCUs, reports PEOPLE.
A Different World HBCU tour
Darryl M. Bell (Ronald ‘Ron’ Johnson), Charnele Brown (Kimberly ‘Kim’ Reese), Jasmine Guy (Whitley Marion Gilbert Wayne), Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Cleophus Wayne), Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa Vinson Taylor), Cree Summer (Winifred ‘Freddie’ Brooks), Glynn Turman (Col. Bradford ‘Brad’ Taylor) and Sinbad (Walter Oakes) will participate on the tour.
The tour will feature panels and other events and will also be joined by producers Debbie Allen and Susan Fales.
Dates
The HBCU tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Georgia at Atlanta University Center, which include Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College.
Other locations include Washington, D.C. (hosted by Howard University) and Montgomery, Ala. (hosted by Alabama State University and Tuskegee University). Both will be in April but no date has been released yet.
More dates will be announced soon.
Education
Spelman College receives $100 million donation, the highest in the college’s history
Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.
Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.
$100 million donation for Spelman is a blessing
The $100 million comes as the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women celebrates 100 years since its official name change from Spelman Baptist Seminary in Sept. 1924.
The college says the gift will help retain the best and brightest students by eliminating financial barriers during the admission process.
“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College during an interview on CBS Mornings.
“This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”
Spelman is Top ranked
Spelman College has been ranked as the #1 Historically Black College and / or University by U.S. News for 17 consecutive years.
The college has a variety of degree/major offerings but they produce the most graduates who pursue a PhD in science, technology, engineering or math, according to The National Science Foundation.
About Ronda Stryker
Ronda Stryker is an American billionaire heiress and granddaughter of Homer Stryker, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of Stryker Corporation.
Education
Maryland principal accused of making racist and antisemitic comments
A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.
A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.
Maryland principal accused of making racist comments
In it, a person purported to be Pikesville’s High School principal, can be heard making disparaging comments about the test scores of African American students.
The person on the recording then makes an offensive comment about an African American staff member at the school and members of the Pikesville Jewish community.
Is the audio real?
There is an investigation into the validity of the recording. Some officials believe the audio is fake and is A.I. constructed. Baltimore County schools said they are taking the matter seriously.
Statement from school district
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued a statement in response.
“Hate, discrimination, and prejudice have no place in our community — especially in our schools. The statements being circulated are abhorrent, and my administration is providing our full support to BCPS as they conduct as they conduct a thorough investigation. Following the conclusion of this investigation, I know swift action will be taken to hold those involved accountable.”
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