Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has passed away at the age of 111. Fletcher, along with other survivors, pursued a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa alleging complicity in the massacre, which destroyed the Greenwood neighborhood and caused widespread loss of life and property. Despite the ongoing efforts for reparations, a recent court decision dismissed the survivors’ lawsuit. The city has proposed a private trust to fund initiatives in the area, though it would not provide direct payments to survivors or their descendants.
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Lt. Col. George Hardy, a celebrated member of the original Tuskegee Airmen and the last World War II combat pilot from the group, recently passed away at the age of 100. Hardy, the youngest Tuskegee fighter pilot at 19, flew 21 missions over Germany during WWII and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His service was a pivotal part of the Tuskegee Experiment, which aimed to prove that Black Americans could excel in aviation during a time of segregation. The Tuskegee Airmen, including Hardy, earned distinction and played a crucial role in integrating the U.S. military, leaving behind a legacy of courage and skill.
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The daughter of the first Black Marine finds it utterly unbelievable that her father’s legacy is now caught up in the ongoing debates surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, highlighting the complexities of historical narratives and the current political climate.
The sheer audacity of the situation is striking. Her father’s achievements, earned during a time of significant racial prejudice, are now being used as fodder in a divisive political battle. This isn’t simply about reinterpreting history; it’s about actively misrepresenting it to serve a specific agenda.
The focus on DEI as the driving force behind the recognition of her father’s contributions completely overlooks his individual merit and the historical context of his service.… Continue reading
The recent news of the stolen and vandalized Jackie Robinson statue has left me feeling both outraged and disheartened. It is truly shocking to think that someone would hold such a grudge against a man who was an icon and a trailblazer in the world of baseball. The fact that the statue was found burned and dismantled in a trash can only adds to the sense of disgust and disbelief.
My initial reaction was to hope that the statue would be replaced with an even bigger version. It seems fitting to honor Robinson’s legacy by creating an even more imposing and powerful representation of him.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood