Title
To recognize and celebrate Black History Month in Columbus, and to express the city's appreciation for the service of the Tuskegee Airmen and the work of the Ohio Memorial Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
Body
WHEREAS, in 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week to educate the public about the rich, complex, and largely unexplored history of the African American community in the United States; and
WHEREAS, since 1976, Americans have celebrated Black History Month - the product of Dr. Carter's vision - every February in recognition of the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of our nation; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a chance for all of the residents of our community to reflect on how far our city, state, and nation have come in ensuring equality and fairness for all people, and to renew our commitment to go forward together and ensure that these values continue to define who we are as a people; and
WHEREAS, the month is also an opportunity for central Ohioans to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen, who overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II; and
WHEREAS, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American pilots in the United States military, flying numerous aircraft and completing missions to escort convoys, protect harbors, and conduct reconnaissance, adhering to the rule that they would never leave their bombers unprotected; and
WHEREAS, many of the original Tuskegee Airmen were members of the ground crew and operation support teams, and they proved that African American military personnel were every bit as skilled, dedicated, and patriotic as their white counterparts; and
WHEREAS, we are fortunate to have an active Ohio Memorial Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., which provides scholarships to young people interested in aviation and continues to keep the...
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