Every February, Black History Month evokes a few iconic names in aviation, most notably the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II and Bessie Coleman, the first black woman pilot. This year, the Frontiers of Flight Museum, the Texas Eagles for Aviation and Claude R. Platte DFW Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen have partnered to bring a special Black History celebration to the North Texas community that highlights the achievements of these and other extraordinary African-American aviation heroes past and present.
This two-day event will be held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., and begin with engaging educational activities for more than 300 area middle school students on Friday, Feb. 22. Following on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 2-3:30 p.m. museum guests will enjoy a riveting presentation on the “State of Aviation” featuring a panel of distinguished African-American aviators, historians and aviation administrators. This event is open to the general public with paid admission to the museum.
The Black History Month Celebration at the Frontiers of Flight Museum will feature pioneers, modern aviators and space age pilots. Special guests and presenters include documented Tuskegee Airmen, an artist who paints African-American aviators, and a pilot trained by Alfred Anderson, widely considered to be the father of black aviation. The event will also include an array of military and corporate displays, aviation pilots, as well as representatives from the aerospace industry.
Following Saturday’s panel discussion on Feb. 23, attendees may also participate in a special drawing for a $250 certificate for a Discovery Flight and Discovery Briefing. The raffle prize will be presented by Major Alejandro House, a distinguished Marine pilot who serves as a corporate pilot for Bell Helicopter and flies the world’s fastest corporate jet – the Cessna Citation.
Captain Claude R. Platte – Documented Tuskegee Airman, served as primary flight instructor, training over 400 blacks to solo and fly the PT13, PT17 and PT19. Privileged to train cadets and dignitaries around the country, under his tutelage were famous fighter pilots such as William Broadwater, Col. George Boys and Norman Scales.
A young and energetic 91-year-old, he is now retired from Bell Helicopter. Capt. Platte and others of the famed Tuskegee group now travel and fly about the country telling their stories to children of all ages so they can be inspired to reach their goals.
Lt. Calvin J. Spann – Documented Tuskegee Airman. Upon his arrival to begin his aviation training at the Army Air Corps in Kessler Field, Miss., he was informed that they did not train Black cadets. A week later he was sent to Tuskegee, Ala., and here he received his wings graduating in the Class 44G. Lt. Spann became a member of the 100th Fighter Squadron, a part of the 332nd Fighter Group under the command of Col. Benjamin O. Davis. Jr. He completed 26 combat missions before the end of WWII. After service, Lt. Spann sought employment with commercial airlines only to be denied due to racial discrimination.
Today he speaks to churches, schools and organizations about the Tuskegee Airmen Experience and how they succeeded with excellence. He encourages students to excel in math and science and stresses preparation as the key to achieving goals.
Staff Sergeant Homer Hogues – Documented Tuskegee Airman. Assigned to the Famous 99th Fighter Squadron 332nd Fighter Group, Airman Hogues was proud to be a mechanic on airplanes. At Chanute Field in Illinois, Hogues gained specialized training on the P-47 Thunderbolt Aircraft. He recalls preparing airplanes for the Air Force gunnery competition in Las Vegas in 1949. Although the Tuskegee Airmen won the competition, due to racism the trophy was etched “Winner Unknown” and was lost for years.
Staff Sergeant Hogues continues to participate as a spokesperson of the Air Force and the Tuskegee Airmen. He shows love as he speaks to school children, church groups and private businesses about his “Tuskegee Airmen Experience”…
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