On Wednesday, February 10, students at the California Aerospace Academy were treated to a presentation by members of the Tuskegee Airmen. The 145 students from the Academy, along with teachers and guests walked the two blocks to the Aerospace Museum of California, a partner of the Academy, to take part in the second of the CAA Speaker Series. Principal, Cheryl Bremer, welcomed Mrs. Edith Roberts, wife of the late George “Spanky” Roberts, one of the first Tuskegee Airmen. Along with Mrs. Roberts, were her daughter, Lanelle Brent; another original Airman, George Porter; and James Coleman a WWII veteran. Mrs. Roberts delighted her audience of young inspiring pilots, engineers, and mechanics, with tales of her husband’s exciting and sometime bumpy journey to becoming one of the first black pilots in the military. Although “Spanky” Roberts died in 1984, his legend lives on through the tales relayed by his wife and other members of the local George S. “Spanky” Roberts Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. A highlight of the presentation was the display of memorabilia that has been collected by Mrs. Roberts. Students were able to see the original newspaper articles written before and during WWII, the original test that was given to black men wishing to be pilots, pictures, and other historical artifacts.
The California Aerospace Academy, located on the former McClellan Air Force Base, is a free public charter school for students in grades 7-12 that are interested in engineering and aerospace. Students are encouraged to follow their dream through a rigorous curriculum with a slant toward aviation. Each month the school, with collaboration with the Aerospace Museum of California, presents a speaker(s) who have a story to tell about their experiences in aviation. Next month, an official from the Sacramento County Airport will be the featured speaker.
For information about California Aerospace Academy, future events, or enrollment, please contact the school at (916) 286-5101 or email cheryl.bremer@twinriversusd.org.