Philadelphia’s Tuskegee Airmen Honored at Book Launch at WCU
Fewer than 200 Tuskegee Airmen are reported to still be alive, and at least four of
those barrier-breakers (the youngest is now 92) will be at West Chester University
on Thursday, Feb. 6, to celebrate the debut of a book that contains their personal
war-time and post-war stories.
Original members will sign copies of Tuskegee in Philadelphia: Rising to the Challenge, newly released from The History Press, after a discussion that begins at 3:30 p.m. in Philips Autograph Library.
The veterans will talk about their service and their civilian lives, their encounters with racism while they served their country and when they returned home. They are bringing artifacts and memorabilia to display and will be accompanied by their families and other chapter members. Several honors will also be presented to them prior to the book signing.
Author Robert Kodosky, professor and chair of WCU’s history department, is donating all proceeds from sales of the book to the scholarship fund for the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. A limited number of books will be for sale at the event.
Six of Kodosky’s students also contributed to the book as co-authors and interviewers: Brandon Langston, Steve Zaharick, Jeff Markland, Matt Rothfuss, Mike Kowalski, and Mike Weiss.
The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Philips Autograph Library, Philips Memorial Building at the intersection of High Street and University Avenue.
Kodosky’s book tour takes him to Reads & Company (234 Bridge Street in Phoenixville) this Saturday, Feb. 8, where he’ll give a free presentation at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, he will be joined by some of the members of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen from 2 to 4 p.m. at the American Helicopter Museum in a program with Brian Lockman, host of PCN TV’s PA Books program. Admission is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. ACT48 credit is available. Contact the museum at 610-436-9600 for tickets and additional information.