FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2017

African-American Museum Black History Month events blaze trails and red tails
Thanks to CAC Cultural Pathways grant, February is kicking off with the famous Tuskegee Airmen

(Fresno, Calif.) From the African-American pilot to the navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew
chiefs, nurses, and cooksthese were the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
Then there were the pilots, who were the first to risk their lives, the first to go into air-combat missions for the US
Army Air Forces The Red Tails.
Racially segregated and not recognized as full citizens in the United States, all of these African-American men of the
military risked their lives for American Citizens and now their story will be told at the African-American Historical &
Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley (AAHCMSJV) starting February 2nd until March 4th.

Thanks to The California Arts Council grant, Cultural Pathways, where the AAHCMSJV was awarded $10,000 out of
28 other grantees statewide ($5,000 per year for two years to bring in artists exhibits,) the first exhibit procured through
the funding is The Red Tail Exhibit: The Mobile Showcase Exhibit.
Created by artist Leroy Buddy Gibson with the intent to provide mentorship for youth and knowledge of the
Tuskegee Airmens contributions as African Americans in World War II, the exhibit is based upon the heroics of the 99th
Fighter Squadron and 332nd Fighter Group, and their support staff, commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
The official reception featuring the artist commentary, and historical background will be Saturday, February 11th
from 12:00 pm 2:00 pm at the AAHCMSJV located at 1857 Fulton St., Fresno, CA 93721.
Groups are welcome to book guided tours by calling the museum office Tuesday thru Friday from
10:00 AM 2:00 PM, 559-544-1857 or request via email: aahcmsjv@gmail.com

This Saturday, Feb. 4th, the (AAHCM) will host its annual
Black History Month Celebration Banquet to honor the
unsung voices of African-Americans from throughout the
Valley at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention
Center located at 2233 Ventura St, Fresno, CA 93721.

The celebration will begin at 6:00 PM with a no-host

reception followed by dinner and program at 6:30 PM,
dancing to follow thereafter.
The Black History Month Banquet
commemorates local and national black history and
celebrates black culture and contributions from
throughout the Valley. AAHCM always begins the
celebration by honoring icons from the Valley who
have strived to make a difference in their communities
while surpassing roadblocks, challenges or other
personal hurdles that usually interfere with ones greater
achievements.
In honoring their legacy, the term Trailblazer
designates the accomplishments of a community leader
who has helped any members of the community through
service and/or leadership against all odds.
This years 2017 Trailblazers are Dezie WoodsJones, Phd, Pastor Donahue Green, Gloria Smith,
Fannie Hayes, Dr. Jerome Jackson, Michael
McGough, Sam Lane, Dorothy Dottie Smith, Earl
Myers, Rev. Dr. Henry I. Oputa, Rev. Paul McCoy
and posthumously Rev. Julius Blaine Brooks.
Trailblazer awards will be followed by two distinguished accolades; the Passing the Torch Award
and the Shining Star Award. This years recipient of the Passing the Torch Award is Ozeme Bonette
Cooley; the award was established to honor younger Trailblazers who lead their community and are on the
path to becoming legendary trailblazers.
This years 2017 Shining Star Award, given to Central Valley-grown recipients recognized for their
upstanding talents in entertainment and the performing arts, honors Salisha Thomas.
Tickets are $100 each and tables seat up to 10 people. There will also be a silent auction featuring a
variety of items, including African-American paintings, handcrafted pottery and an array of gift baskets.
For media inquiries, tickets or sponsorship packages call: 559-544-1857 -or- visit:
http://www.aahcmsjv.org/
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