Press Releases

Success South Florida Magazine and the Red Tail Project Will Honor the Tuskegee Airmen During the 2006 McDonald’S®Air & Sea Show®

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (March 7, 2006) - During the twelfth anniversary of the 2006 McDonald's®Air & Sea Show®, Success South Florida Magazine and the Red Tail Project in conjunction with the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center will host a Media and Community Recognition Day program in honor of America's first African-American fighter pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen, on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.

Beginning April 1, 2006, The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center will display original Tuskegee Airmen artifacts, pictures, posters and other items of historical significance for the community to preview leading up to the May 3rd event. Success South Florida Magazine and the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center recognize that the Airmen have not received such an honor in the past from the South Florida Community and want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the bravery and determination of these great men during the Air & Sea Show® weekend.

The Media and Community Recognition Day program will begin with a press conference and continental breakfast. It will conclude with an official ceremony where twelve of the surviving Airmen receive a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale, as well as other acknowledgements from local, state and national leaders. City officials will also honor the Red Tail Project by presenting them with a key to the city. As part of the official ceremony, world-renowned sculptor, George Gadson will unveil his latest piece depicting Tuskegee Airmen. This piece will be donated to the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center and will remain on display as one of the library's special collection pieces.

In addition to this local honor, Congress recently unanimously passed a bill to bestow upon the Tuskegee Airmen the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest award presented by the House of Representatives. The bill passed in the house 400-0 is the second congressional recognition the Airmen have received. In 2005, both chambers passed a resolution honoring the pilots for their service in the military.

The Red Tail Project is dedicated to continue telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen - preserving their rich history. As the country's first African-American fighter pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 15,000 individual missions during World War II and never lost a bomber to enemy fighters. There were 450 African-American pilots that served in combat. Sixty-six were killed in action and another 32 were taken prisoner. Military officials estimate about 200 of the Tuskegee Airmen are alive today.

The Media and Community Recognition Day program will be one of three official events acknowledging the airmen during the 2006 McDonald's® Air & Sea Show®.

About George Gadson
George Gadson is an African American artist, and Florida native who has gained world-wide recognition for his realistic portraits and sculptures of individuals and figures that have historical significance. Gadson specializes in scupltures, paintings, photography, public art and special recognition awards.

Success South Florida Magazine
Success South Florida Magazine is a bi-monthly business and news publication serving the greater South Florida Black Professional Community. The Publication provides insightful articles and information on business, careers, politics, lifestyle, culture and social commentary.
(www.ssfla.com)

Red Tail Project
The Red Tail Project's mission is to bring the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to every classroom in America through an aviation education program and the restoration of a P-51C Mustang painted with the iconic red tail of the Airmen as a symbol of the contribution of African Americans who served our country during WWII.
(www.redtail.org)

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)
The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is a multi-faceted research library, and cultural center. The AARLCC possesses an impressive collection of over 75,000 world-class books, special manuscripts, documents, and primary source materials. In addition, the AARLCC has on display a special collection of paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and other collectibles that focus on the experience of people of African descent. The AARLCC's facility has beautiful presentation spaces including a state-of-the-art 300-seat theater and a museum-class 5,000 square-foot exhibition hall. During the AARLCC's first year of operation, more than a quarter of a million visitors came to the facility making the AARLCC a thriving cultural icon and a vital component of the Broward County community and the state of Florida.