On Wednesday, November 3, the Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement  welcomed guest presenter Cory Shay, director of the IUP Military and Veteran’s Resource Center, for a presentation on the Tuskegee Airmen. 

Dr. Shay presents to audience on Tuskegee Airmen.

Thirty-three attendees enjoyed a free lunch in Elkin Hall’s Great Room. They listened to Shay’s presentation on the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen (who were primarily African American) not only for America’s victory in WWII, but for their role in ending segregation in America. 

Besides being some of the best pilots in the US Army Air Forces, the Tuskegee Airmen continued to face racism while enrolled in the military, and that trend continued upon their return home from the front. After President Harry Truman’s Executive Order 9981, the United States Armed Forces prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. 

Attendees watch Dr. Shay's presentation.

MCSLE would like to thank Cory Shay for presenting on this important topic (and one of great relevancy to our area, as an estimated 40 percent of Tuskegee Airmen hailed from western Pennsylvania), as well as the students, staff, and faculty who attended the event. 

MCSLE’s last Lunch and Learn of the semester, “Decolonize Your Thanksgiving,” will take place on Wednesday, November 17, at 11:30 a.m. All are invited to this free event.