History Takes Flight! Lonnie G. Bunch at The NMAAHC


National Museum of African American History and Culture

Lonnie Bunch, museum director, historian, lecturer, and author, is proud to present A Page from Our American Story, a regular on-line series for Museum supporters. It will showcase individuals and events in the African American experience, placing these stories in the context of a larger story — our American story.
A Page From Our American Story
Tuskegee Airmen Circa May 1942 to Aug 1943 Members of the Tuskegee Airmen Circa May 1942 to Aug 1943 Location unknown, likely Southern Italy or North Africa

Not many people know the entire story of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is going to change that. The Tuskegee Airmen epitomize courage and heroism. Their story, however, is more than just their legendary success escorting American bombers over Nazi Germany.

Their story begins more than 23 years earlier. In fact, from the early days of World War I, African Americans wanted to serve as pilots in the Army Air Force. They were repeatedly rejected — because of their race. In 1941, when Congress finally forced the Army Air Force to train African Americans, the powers in the Pentagon created a training program with one purpose — wash out the men who want to be aviators.

However, the Pentagon was in for a surprise — the Tuskegee Airmen did not fail. They would succeed and go on to serve in spectacular fashion. Their success would force military leaders to take a hard look at the policies of segregation that treated black servicemen and women as second class citizens.

tumblr_lpct1bHPtm1r08s91o10_250.jpg Click here to take flight with the Spirit of Tuskegee!

I offer this brief, brief summary of the Tuskegee Airmen story as a way of introducing a short, but fascinating video that features a treasured object in the Museum’s collection — a restored World War II-era PT-13 Stearman used to train many of the Tuskegee Airmen. The video documents this biplane’s historic journey across the nation on its way to being presented to the Museum in the summer of 2011.

The addition of the PT-13 Stearman helps bring the powerful story of the Tuskegee Airmen to life. Together they help fulfill the Museum’s mission to engage, educate, and bring pride to all Americans.

Enjoy!

Lonnie Bunch, Director All the best,
Lonnie Bunch Director

 

P.S. We can only reach our $250 million goal with your help. I hope you will consider making a donation or becoming a Charter Member today.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution’s family of extraordinary museums.The museum will be far more than a collection of objects. The Museum will be a powerful, positive force in the national discussion about race and the important role African Americans have played in the American story — a museum that will make all Americans proud.

a message from Senator Patty Murray about Birth Control


One million strong for women. Fight back against right wing attacks on women's health. Stand strong for women. Sign the petition

I can hardly believe this: Republican Senators are pushing legislation that will allow any employer to deny women coverage for birth control! Yes, you read that right. Birth control.     What is wrong with these people? More than 98% of American women use or have used contraception. It saves money, and it saves lives, which is why President Obama wants to make sure every woman has access to this critically important part of health care. The Republicans have proved yet again that they are only interested in defeating President Obama and waging war on women.

This ridiculous legislation will probably come up for a vote this week. I need your help. Will you fight back by joining the One Million Strong for Women campaign?

Add your name to One Million Strong For Women, and help fight back against the War on Women!

Who could have imagined that in 2012 we’d be fighting over access to something as fundamental as birth control? It just shows exactly how extreme these Republicans are – and just how crucial it is that we defeat them.

Sen. Patty Murray

Thank Obama for prioritizing our future over Big Coal interests!


care2 petitionsite actionAlert

By putting in place the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, President Obama made a substantial leap forward for our nation’s health and environment. Not every leader would have done this for our country, since Big Coallobbyists and corporate special interests make great efforts keep us dependent on their hazardous products and services.Give President Obama a huge THANK YOU for putting our people first and standing strong against mercury pollution.» The other current presidential candidates, for example, want to take away our environmental protection and set back the progress we’ve made.Newt Gingrich wants to “maximize oil, gas, and clean coal production.” Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum have already received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Big Coal companies which visibly alters their stance on energy. And Ron Paul has stated that he would eliminate the EPA altogether.

It takes a strong leader to make such a bold environmental decision. Take a moment to let President Obama know that we appreciate his actions in standing up to Big Coal for our future.»

        Thanks for taking action!Rachel M.
Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team
Thank President Obama for standing strong against mercury pollution!
Take Action Now!

It’s about the climate


The Climate Reality Project

In the next few days, the U.S. Senate will vote to determine the fate of a pipeline that would link a vast tar sands deposit in Alberta, Canada to refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast. The construction of the pipeline has been blocked once by President Obama, who refused to buckle to pressure from Congress and industry to cut short the environmental review. Unfortunately, they are at it again.
If approved and built, this pipeline, Keystone XL, would carry one of the most carbon-intensive sources of oil on the planet.
For the next 24 hours, The Climate Reality Project is joining with 350.org, MoveOn, League of Conservation Voters, Patagonia, Sierra Club, Energy Action Coalition and others to garner 500,000 signatures in a community-wide effort against the pipeline. Bill McKibben of 350.org will be on The Colbert Report tonight and will update the world on our progress — so sign now, and then pass it on. We’ve come together before to stop production of this dangerous pollutant — and with your help, we can do it again:

Join me in telling the U.S. Senate to say NO to one of the most carbon-intensive oils on the planet:

http://forms.climaterealityproject.org/keystone
If you care about the climate, you have to care about stopping this dangerous pollutant and the pipeline that carries it. After extensive research, the EPA estimates that annual carbon pollution from the Keystone XL pipeline could be at least 82% higher than average crude refined in America — if not more.
What does that number really mean? That’s the same amount of pollution as adding 4.8 million cars to our roads: an additional 27 million metric tons of carbon pollution.
Instead of pouring money into the production of more dirty oil, we need to work with Canada to invest in clean energy and energy efficiency. Clean energy is already the fastest growing industry in the U.S. and one of the fastest growing industries around the world.
It doesn’t matter where you live, or if the pipeline crosses into your home state. An increase of carbon pollution anywhere leads to climate change everywhere.
I just returned from an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, where the temperature has risen by over 8 degrees in the last 60 years. And more than that, the glacial retreat caused by this temperature increase means sea level is rising and dangerous changes are happening around the globe. To put it simply: it means we are all living on thin ice.
Take a minute and sign this important petition and tell the Senate to say NO to Keystone XL:
http://forms.climaterealityproject.org/keystone
Thanks,
Al Gore Founder and Chairman

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate moves forward on confirmation of Adalberto Jordan then S.1813


the Senate Convened at 10:00amET February 14, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and resume consideration of the Adalberto Jordan nomination, post-cloture.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • We expect to confirm the Jordan nomination and resume consideration of S. 1813, the Surface Transportation bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.1813, the Surface Transportation Act:

  • Johnson-Shelby #1515 (banking title)

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, Senator Bingaman asked unanimous consent to confirm the following Department of Energy nominations:

 – Calendar #493, Charles DeWitt McConnell to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Fossil Energy)

– Calendar #494, David T. Danielson to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)

– Calendar #495, LaDoris Guess Harris to be Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, Department of Energy

– Calendar #496, Gregory Howard Woods to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy

– Calendar #527, Arunava Majumdar to be Under Secretary of Energy

 Senator Paul then objected to Senator Bingaman’s request.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.373, recognizing February 14, 2012 as the Centennial of the State of Arizona.

Adopted S.Res.374, supporting the mission and goals of 2012 National Crime Victims Rights Week.

Adopted S.Res.375, celebrating the bicentennial of the City of Columbus, the capital city of the State of Ohio.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2105, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 (Lieberman)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 14, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION 

. -The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 15, 2012.11:19:12 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.11:19:01 P.M. -Mr. Webster moved that the House do now adjourn.11:17:55 P.M. -Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 547.11:17:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.9:45:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.7:17:12 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:13:48 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:12:33 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 303 – 89, 1 Present (Roll no. 49).6:30:02 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.6:30:01 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.5:12:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m. today.5:12:12 P.M. -H.R. 3248At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.5:04:17 P.M. -H.R. 3248DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3248.5:04:13 P.M. -H.R. 3248Considered under suspension of the rules.5:04:03 P.M. -H.R. 3248Mr. Kelly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3248 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building”.”5:03:34 P.M. -H.R. 3247At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.4:56:34 P.M. -H.R. 3247DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3247.4:56:32 P.M. -H.R. 3247Considered under suspension of the rules.4:56:21 P.M. -H.R. 3247Mr. Kelly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3247 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Building”.”4:56:04 P.M. -H.R. 2079At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.4:49:12 P.M. -H.R. 2079DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2079.4:49:10 P.M. -H.R. 2079Considered under suspension of the rules.4:49:00 P.M. -H.R. 2079Mr. Kelly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2079 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10 Main Street in East Rockaway, New York, as the “John J. Cook Post Office”.”4:48:34 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.4:47:55 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.2:44:39 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 4:45 p.m. today.2:18:10 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the proposed Congressional Budget for the United States Government for FY 2013 – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-78).2:18:00 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had the honor to transmit a sealed envelope received from the White House on February 13, 2012, at 2:14 p.m., which contained a message from the President whereby he submitted his Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2013.2:17:00 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 14, 2012, at 10:25 a.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 1162, without amendment.2:03:20 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:03:00 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:00 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mrs. Foxx demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Foxx demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.2:00:44 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.12:08:44 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today.12:01:04 P.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.12:00:31 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:14 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.