ABOVE PHOTO: Tuskegee Airman Dr Eugene J Richardson (l), with Patricia Oglesby and David Brooks Alston from the Cheyney Foundation.
Wells Fargo honored the heroic achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen through a special showing of the LucasFilm documentary “Double Victory” followed by a panel discussion with two leaders of the group and the presentation of a grant to the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The documentary companion to the LucasFilm movie Red Tails, “Double Victory” recounts the specific achievements of the unit whose members were among the first African-Americans to serve as fighter pilots in the U.S. armed forces. The story is told by the airmen themselves and highlights their “double victory” in war and in overcoming racial stereotypes.
Following a reception and showing of the film, Major John L. Harrison and Dr. Eugene J. Richardson, both original documented Tuskegee Airman from the Greater Philadelphia chapter of the airmen, participated in a panel interview moderated by TV anchor Lori Wilson of NBC10 in Philadelphia.
Harrison was a graduate of the class of 1943 at the Tuskegee Army Airfield and Richardson graduated in 1945, right towards the end of the war. Both men continue today to tell the ground-breaking story of the Tuskegee Airman and work to introduce young people to the world of science and aviation.
Tonight’s event was a follow-up to Wells Fargo’s national promotion of Red Tails. Beginning in December 2011, Wells Fargo sponsored several special screenings of Red Tails across the country, including the red carpet movie premier in New York City, as well as the Tom Joyner Morning Show–Red Tails Sky Show event in Atlanta.
Wells Fargo’s support is also a celebration of the legacy of two former Tuskegee Airmen who joined Wells Fargo following their exemplary military careers. Col. George S. Roberts and Lt. Col. James A. Walker worked as personal bankers for Wells Fargo, where they continued their commitment to hard work, dedication and teamwork.
“We think it’s so important to help tell and re-tell this inspirational story,” said Vince Liuzzi, Wells Fargo Greater Philadelphia/Delaware regional president. “I am proud that Wells Fargo shares a special connection to this significant moment in history for our state and our nation.”
Following the event, Wells Fargo presented the Tuskegee Airmen with a check for $1,000 to support the Greater Philadelphia chapter’s education assistance fund. The fund provides needs-based scholarships and helps send youth to aviation summer camps.
The event was held at The Dorrance H. Hamilton Public Media Commons at WHYY in Philadelphia and more than 100 guests attended, including Philadelphia community leaders and Wells Fargo customers.
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