Dr. Roscoe Brown, a former Air Force Captain and widely-known member of the air group the Tuskegee Airmen, discussed his personal experiences of dealing with racism and challenging racist stereotypes during WWII with over 200 New York City high school students from Aviation High School and Lower School as part of the Intrepid Museum’s Power of One eminent speakers program on Friday, November 12.
Dr. Brown commanded the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group (the "Tuskegee Airmen") in World War II, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters. He is credited with being the first 15th Air Force fighter pilot to shoot down a German jet fighter. He is currently the Director of the Center for Urban Education Policy and University Professor at the Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York
The Intrepid Museum’s Power of One program allows students to meet and hear from community members who share their experiences and insights about overcoming challenges to achieve success, the importance of civic involvement and a love of their country. It is based on the notion that a single event can change a young person’s life or start them on the road to change. The Power of One program is consistent with the mission of the Intrepid to “honor our heroes, educate the public and inspire our youth.” |