UPDATE: All KCC-specific seats for the exhibit have been filled, but there are still seats available for community members available on select dates. Call Neighborhoods, Inc. of Battle Creek at 968-1113 for more information.
Kellogg Community College’s Diversity Committee invites KCC students and employees to experience the “Rise Above” Tuskegee Airmen exhibit free this month.
The traveling exhibit celebrates the group of African-American pilots who fought in World War II as part of a military program designed to train African-Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The exhibit is housed in an 81-foot-long semitrailer that will be stationed at the grounds of Battle Creek Central and Lakeview high schools from April 18 through 25.
KCC’s Diversity Committee helped sponsor the exhibit, which is presented through the Battle Creek Community Foundation’s Bridges to Cultural Understanding project, and has a limited number of seats reserved for KCC students and employees on April 24 and 25.
“The Tuskegee Airmen overcame racial prejudice and limited opportunities in the American armed forces to become one of the most recognizable and decorated fighter groups during World War II,” said Michelle Wright, KCC history professor and co-chair of the College’s Diversity Committee. “The KCC Diversity Committee was thrilled to be approached by Neighborhoods, Inc. of Battle Creek to participate in bringing the traveling exhibit to the city.”
The exhibit runs in 45-minute increments and includes pictures and information about the Tuskegee Airmen and a documentary film highlighting their story.
Individuals interested in visiting the exhibit should contact Wright at wright@kellogg.edu. Dates and times available are as follows:
April 24
8 a.m.8:45 a.m.9:30 a.m.12:15 p.m.
April 25
8 a.m.8:45 a.m.9:30 a.m.12:15 p.m.1 p.m.1:45 p.m.2:30 p.m.
All available time slots will be located in the parking lot of Lakeview High School, 15060 S. Helmer Road, Battle Creek.
The above photo was taken in March 1945 and features Tuskegee pilot Edward C. Gleed. The image is available for use from the U.S. Library of Congress with no known publication restrictions.