As Black History Month begins to wind down, this week I found myself in Tuskegee, AL as I celebrated the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airman.
My visit allowed me to relive some history and meet a gentleman within the Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen (John Harley).
Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen | Giving History a Future!
Part of what John was doing was escorting serval youth to give them a glimpse of what lies ahead for them in the future.
Poised under pressure was a thought that I had even before I stepped foot into the two hangers located on Moton Field, 1721 General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Drive, Tuskegee, AL.
My visit to Tuskegee helped validate my thoughts.
Although the weather preempted the live-action paratrooper event from Original WW II Aircraft, it was still an amazing day being in the facility and reliving history.
I never miss an opportunity to learn from others as I spoke with Ranger Frank who provided me some insights also about the 555 or Triple Nickel Paratroopers.
Having spent two tours on jump status as a senior noncommissioned officer I remember learning of the Smoke Jumpers of Triple Nickel Paratroopers and their heroism while at Fort Bragg, now renamed Fort Liberty.
Forgotten WW2 Paratroopers – The 555th Triple Nickels
Today I still struggle to understand why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are being dismantled.
I am grateful to see what others who operated with great poise under pressure have accomplished and what others continue to share with our youth like the Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen (John Harley).
What is a DEI program and what did Trump change? – NBC Chicago
I’m aware that I am the only person with one voice, I still have opportunities to share my stories one day at a time, each day, through my actions.
You might ask why the spin on the military with week?
Mainly to highlight the years 1941 to 1945 so that you can get a better understanding of those men who were poised under pressure.
I’m also reminded of what happened 81 years ago, almost to the date as it relates to breaking the color barrier with the Navy Officer’s Golden Thirteen.
These men dealt with prejudice and survived as many are unaware of the talents among their ranks.
U.S. Navy began training Golden Thirteen in 1944 – Mississippi Today
When I look at our history after the Tuskegee Airmen were founded in 1941 and when my father joined the military in 1945, I can only imagine the poise under pressure he felt in uniform for his 30 years of service.
John Wooden says” Most people think of poise as calm, self-assured dignity; but I call it “just being you.”
I’m honored that those who I speak about today were just being themselves.
Tuskegee Airmen ‑ Definition, Facts & Names
I know that many expected the Tuskegee Airman and the Navy’s Golden 13 to fail; however, it was their poise under pressure that helped them succeed.
I owe a debt of gratitude to all those trailblazers for being stronger than the average man and the courage to sustain it.
There is something to be said about the inner excellence of those men whose poise under pressure allowed them to stand tall against the adversity they faced in the military both in and out of uniform.
There is also something to be said having now visited three distinct locations in Alabama.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding of the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham.
The Montgomery Equal Justice Initiative as I have visited the Museum, Memorial, and Monuments to better educate myself about America’s history of racial injustice.
The Legacy Museum – The Legacy Sites
And now this past weekend at Tuskegee spending several hours at the Tuskegee Airman National Site Hanger 1 and Hanger 2 Museum and Visitor Center.
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site | HANGAR 1 MUSEUM AND VISITOR CENTER |
I’m still exploring because there is more to see in Alabama.
Additionally, two years ago I had the opportunity to visit the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Solider Monument here in Huntsville AL.
I was part of the nexus that I had when I visited the Buffalo Soldier Memorial dedicated to the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Regiments in Junction City, KS over 26 years ago when I was on active duty.
Both solidified poised under pressure is a reality to me.
10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldier’s Memorial
Buffalo Soldier Memorial | Geary County CVB – Official Website
Today, when I think back hearing names such as Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airman, Navy Golden 13, and Triple Nickles.
Black women in the military have poise under pressure as well.
I know several female black “Jump Masters” who I’ve been on airborne operations with who demonstrated poise under pressure setting high standards each time as they excel.
I enjoyed watching the movie “Six Triple Eight” and how each of the women had poised under pressure dealing with adversity and prejudice.
The Six Triple Eight (2024) – IMDb
Maya Angelou’s Quotes to Inspire, Empower, and Encourage such as “I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me” rings loud and clear in my heart.
Those words “I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me” mean more than what you realize.
Today, I challenge you to ask yourself, who’s counting on you? Will you be poised under pressure the next time someone says something that gets under your skin? Finally, what are you doing today to open your aperture a little wider to expand your vision of those trailblazers who have made it possible for you to be where you are today?
In my lifetime I have had many “first one” and “only one” moments. Fortunately, my home training and education in the segregated public schools of south Alabama included members of the Greatest Generation who taught whatever you do, good and especially bad, is attributed to our entire race.
Love the metaphor “open your aperture a little wider.” I choose to let in more light to see a broader view of the world projected by the daily news.
I am grateful for the influential figures who came before me. I remember who took me to register to vote and who recommended that I apply for admission to the school of nursing who had no black students and was owned by the hospital who fought integration as if they did not know the South lost the Civil War.
I learned that nurses from different parts of the country and ethnicities were facing many of the same challenges I faced in achieving success. Today, I still enjoy talking to older colleaugues and hearing their stories about how things have evolved. I share my stories with my great-grands so they will know of people who overcame obstacles and paved the way for the current opportunitie they enjoy.
Dr. Ola Fox,
Today, you provided insight into my world of nursing. The comments you wrote have open my aperture even more living in north Alabama. The words “Greatest Generation who taught whatever you do, good and especially bad, is attributed to our entire race” is so true. How our grand kids and great grand kids learn today is a testament of seeing and actively listening to stories that they can relate to in life. Thank you taking the time in sharing your stories with me and others to read.
McKinley