ThatKellieGirl was invited to a viewing of “Fly” closing out this weekend at the Ford Theater. Based upon the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen, “Fly” is the powerful story of four African-American military pioneers who proved themselves as officers and pilots during World War II.
Happy Friday Everyone!
If you are looking forward to catching Red Tails this weekend, I recommend buying your ticket last week! 
It looks like theaters will be packed with enthusiastic movie-goers. I am glad that this overlooked part of black history, American history is coming to the forefront again. How many WWII films and documentaries were made with no mention of African-American soldiers and their accomplishments? Some folks have pointed out that this isn’t the first time the history of The Tuskegee Airmen was turned into a movie. And I think that’s great. Our stories must be re-told consistently to ensure that we don’t forget our history. I also hope we continue to stay enthusiastic about black history. We have such a rich history that has never been fully told, and we shouldn’t wait until someone makes a movie to learn about it. We can read a book, an article or watch a documentary. Or here’s a novel idea, talk to members of our family! More than likely, we have uncles, aunts, or older cousins who can talk to us about our history in a real way, not just to be entertained, then forget about it. Movies are a very powerful and impactful platform, but that is just a starting point. Let’s use this as an opportunity to connect and inspire one another to accomplish even greater things in the future.
There are several “watch” parties for Red Tails this Saturday, here, here and here.
Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl
The National Archives is hosting two great events in honor of Black History Month this week.
A panel discussion and film screening celebrating the achievements of America’s first African-American military airmen.
Moderated by Dr. Rex M. Ellis, associate director of curatorial affairs, Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture, the discussion is scheduled to include Lt. Gen. (ret.) Russell C. Davis, current president of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and several surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Also part of the program will be a screening of Wings for This Man, an 11-minute film produced in 1944 by the Army Air Forces and narrated by Ronald Reagan.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
@ The National Archives, Constitution Ave. NW [between 7th & 9th St.]
William G. McGowan Theater
Washington, DC 20408
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter
Begins at 7PM
FREE!
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The ninth edition of From Slavery to Freedom by John Hope Franklin and Evelyn Higginbotham has been revised to reflect the most current scholarship on African-American history.
This program will focus on the legacy of John Hope Franklin and this award-winning work. Joining the discussion will be Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, co-author of From Slavery to Freedom; Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero; and John Franklin, son of John Hope Franklin. A book signing will follow the program.
Wednesday, February 18, 2010
@ The National Archives, Constitution Ave. NW [between 7th & 9th St.]
William G. McGowan Theater
Washington, DC 20408
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter
Begins at 7PM
FREE!
