Award-Winning Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. is the Keynote Speaker at the Milestone Event for One of the Most Decorated Military Groups in the Army Air Corps History

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA, December 2, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF) celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 5 p.m. at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1816 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

The VIP reception will mark a milestone for the Tuskegee Airmen Experience when against all odds they defied negative stereotypes that others placed on them and proved that dedication and commitment are the true characteristics of success and not race. The Tuskegee Airmen became one of the most decorated military groups in the history of the Army Air Corps.

Academy Award Winner Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. will serve as the keynote speaker. The internationally known actor is also a book author, "An Actor and a Gentleman," and the founder, president and board chair of the Eracism Foundation. "I founded the Eracism Foundation to focus on creating a society where racism cannot exist," said Gossett. He will be autographing his books at the event. Gossett can be seen in the upcoming feature films, "Breaking Brooklyn," and "The Reason."

"Celebrating our living legends and those who have gone before us - it is a way to remind us of our resilience - who we are and who continue to be," said TASF President and Chair Clark "Bill " Robinson. "In challenging times like these, let's remember that times have been tougher yet we persevered."

The Tuskegee Airmen Experience began with the first aviation class of 13 cadets on July 19, 1941. From 1941 to 1946, approximately 1,000 pilots graduated. The Tuskegee Airmen served the Army Air Corps earning them 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 31 Purple Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars and a well-deserved place in U.S. history. “They stand as living testaments to the triumph of good over evil and represent the genuine qualities necessary for true greatness,” said Edward Grice, executive director for TASF.

“The Tuskegee Airmen are not just black heroes, they are American heroes, American patriots,” said Grice. “They fought gallantly for the ideals of freedom and demonstrated outstanding courage and valor in the face of unbeatable odds.” Several of the original Tuskegee Airmen are still living and share their stories every chance they get.

"Our history lives on in those who remember and continue to educate a new generation of Americans. I am proud to be an integral part of American history and proof that anything is possible," said Theodore "Ted" Lumpkin Jr., a documented original Tuskegee Airmen.

TASF, a nonprofit founded by original Tuskegee Airmen, will host the event with original Tuskegee Airmen, Olympians, media, elected officials, educators, students and community leaders in attendance. The documented original Tuskegee Airmen who will attend the event are: Jerry T. Hodges, Henry Polite, Levi Thornhill, Dr. Issac Walker, Harlan Leonard, and Reggie Ballard.

"The Tuskegee Airmen Experience set the bar high for achieving dreams of young men to fight for the good of the Nation and to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of Americans who know us," said Hodges.

The Master of Ceremonies is Michael Dolphin, a workforce consultant and military veteran. The Honorary Consul for Sierra Leone, West Africa, Isatu N. Timbo will make a special presentation to the American heroes.

Artwork will be on display and for purchase to benefit the TASF by renown Artist/Graphic Designer Art Sims who has worked with some of Hollywood's top filmmakers, including George Lucas, Spike Lee, Jon Kilik, The Hughes Brothers, Steven Spielberg, and Abel Ferrera. Sims created the indelible images seen for print ad campaigns of numerous famous films, including Red Tails, Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, King Of New York, Love & Basketball, Clockers, When the Levees Broke to Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple.

Original digital enhanced prints "Black Buffalo Soldiers," "Home Soil," and "WWII Flag Raisin" by Artist Fulton Leroy Washington will be on display and available for purchase to benefit TASF. Entertainment includes vocalists: CeCe Raven, Chanel Frampton, Sabrena Whitey Robinson, and Dawsolene M. Burrel.

For tickets and sponsorship information to assist with preserving the Tuskegee Airmen history at this honorable event, please contact the TASF event manager at 213-276-7827 or tuskegeeairmeneventcommittee@gmail.com or visitwww.taisf.org/events. Parking is complimentary but limited.

Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation Now Accepting Online Applications for 2017 Scholarships
Each year the Foundation presents $1,500 scholarship awards to 40 students nationwide who instill the ideals, leadership and commitment as exemplified by the Tuskegee Airmen. In addition, the Foundation provides the Della H. Raney Nursing $2,000 scholarship named after the first chief nurse assigned to the Tuskegee Air Field and the Levarn Adger Air Force Junior ROTC scholarship named after an Aerospace Science instructor in Columbia, South Carolina.

The Foundation places particular emphasis on students who will pursue careers in aviation, aerospace, and science technology, which honor the living and deceased members of the Tuskegee Airmen who gallantly served their country. The 2017 deadline for applications is January 26th. Scholarship information and support for the Foundation’s work can be processed by calling their office at 213-742-9541 or apply online.

About Tuskegee Airmen
Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the Army Air Corps to form an all African American flying unit in 1940. The Air Corps opened a new training base at Tuskegee Institute in central Alabama in order to train the African American pilots needed for the new squadron. As a result the 99th Pursuit Squadron was created. In spring of 1941 the first African American enlisted men began training to become mechanics and the first thirteen candidates entered pilot training.

On March 7, 1942 the first contingent of young black pilots were inducted into the US Army Air Corps on Tuskegee’s airstrip. Eight days later the 100th Fighter Squadron was established as a part of the 33rd Fighter Group.

About TASF
Founded in 1978 by original Tuskegee Airmen, the TASF has awarded 1,300 scholarships totaling over $1.7 million. Our mission is to provide access to higher education and career opportunities in aviation, STEM, and beyond. For more information, visit the TASF at www.taisf.org.

Marie Lemelle
Platinum Star PR
(213) 276-7827
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Nickolas Ballard - TASF National Spokesperson