The Polsky Practical Personal Enrichment Series
Upcoming Series Event
Honoring the History and Service of the Tuskegee Airmen
Presented by George Dunmore and Charles Ellington, representing the Heart of America Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen of America, Inc.
Wednesday, November 9
7-8:30 p.m.
Yardley Hall in the Carlsen Center
Johnson County Community College
The event is FREE to attend, but RSVPs are appreciated. Email polskyseries@jccc.edu.
As part of Johnson County Community College’s Veteran’s Week celebration, we remember the historical significance, dedicated service and courage of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. This air corps of African American fighter pilots fought in the aerial war over North Africa and Europe. These brave pilots, commanded by Col. Benjamin Davis, flew more than 15,000 sorties and completed more than 1,500 missions with the 12th Tactical U.S. Army Air Force and the 15th Strategic U.S. Army Air Force.
Our presenters will share
- The historic origins of the famed air corps
- The challenges faced by the 1,000 African Americans trained as military aviators
- The courageous combat achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen and their impact on U.S. victory
George J. Dunmore is retired from the Ohio Army National Guard with 21 years of service. He currently serves as vice president and public relations officer for the Heart of America Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen of America, Inc. He is not one of the surviving original Tuskegee Airmen.
A former reporter and editor for the Pittsburgh Courier, Capt. Dunmore is a student of black history. An older brother, Albert, is credited with being one of the first journalists to write about the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. Capt. Dunmore is the fourth member of his family to be associated with the Tuskegee Airmen, an organization that has open enrollment. He is also a contributing writer to the Kansas City Call.
Charles Ellington, of Olathe, Kan., is one of fewer than a dozen Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen who live in the Kansas City area and one of six Original Tuskegee Airmen who are members of the Heart of America Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. Drafted in the early days of World War II, like many others, Cpl. Ellington applied for pilot training but was later trained as a radio operator.
About the Polsky Series
This series of educational presentations is underwritten by the Norman and Elaine Polsky Family Supporting Foundation within the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation with Johnson County Community College.
The series includes a number of topics, which are not currently offered in a formal academic setting.
Programs are generally held four evenings a year in the Polsky Theatre at the Carlsen Center.
Each event is free and open to students and the general public, unless otherwise noted. There is no ticketing or reserved seating, but RSVPs are appreciated. You may email or call 913-469-3466.
Refreshments and socializing are offered 30 minutes before each program. Reserved parking is available.
For more information, email us.