Latest news with #WASPs
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
OperaDelaware presents world premiere of 'Fearless,' a new American opera by Derrick Wang
OperaDelaware, America's 11th oldest opera company with over 75 years of artistic legacy in the First State, is honored to present the world premiere of "Fearless'' – a bold new opera that tells the remarkable true story of Hazel Ying Lee, a pioneering aviator and unsung American hero. "Fearless'' is the second opera by acclaimed composer and librettist Derrick Wang, whose debut work "Scalia/Ginsburg'' has captivated audiences and critics alike since its 2015 premiere. With "Fearless,'' Wang brings to life the extraordinary journey of Hazel Ying Lee, the first Chinese American woman to fly for the United States military. Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1912, Hazel Ying Lee discovered her passion for flight at a time when few women – and even fewer Asian Americans – were welcomed in the cockpit. She earned her pilot's license in 1932, pushing past the barriers of racism and sexism with remarkable determination and grace. During World War II, Hazel joined the historic Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, a courageous group of women who flew military aircraft in non-combat roles – ferrying planes, testing equipment and training male pilots for the front lines. Though their contributions were often overlooked, these women played a vital role in the war effort. Hazel was known not only for her exceptional skill as a pilot, but for her wit, courage and unshakable belief that she belonged in the sky. She served her country with pride and paved the way for generations to come – not just in aviation, but in every field where barriers are meant to be broken. Innovative exhibit: Winterthur to unveil immersive, first-of-its kind look at Black experience Hazel Ying Lee's legacy is one of resilience, trailblazing spirit and unapologetic excellence. In "Fearless,'' her story finally takes flight – on the wings of music, memory and the power of opera. Mezzo-soprano Ariana Maubach makes her OperaDelaware debut as Hazel Ying Lee, and the intrepid artist is joined by debuts from baritone Suchan Kim as Victor and mezzo-soprano Alice Chung as Mother. Karen Vuong, who thrilled audiences as Liú in OperaDelaware's 2024 production of "Turandot,'' returns to The Grand stage as the precocious and empathetic Iris. Maestro Benjamin Makino also makes his OperaDelaware debut, leading the orchestra with precision and heart, while visionary director Malena Dayan brings this important story to life with clarity, depth and bold theatricality. With stunning visuals created by video artist Guadalupe Marin Burgin and choreography by Troy Ogilvie, "Fearless'' is ready to soar to operatic heights on May 16 and 18 at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington. OperaDelaware is also proud to partner with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, which developed a signature brew through its Beer and Benevolence program to mark this powerful premiere. The beer, aptly named Fearless Hazel, pays tribute to Hazel Ying Lee's boldness and legacy. Fearless Hazel will make its debut at the Opening Night Microgala on May 16, giving audiences the chance to toast this new opera in style. Sponsored by Dogfish Head, the Opening Night Microgala promises an unforgettable evening. For just $50 per guest, ticketholders can enjoy Dogfish Head canned cocktails, Fearless Hazel beer, the brand-new 30-minute IPA, plus live music and a fried chicken dinner – all before experiencing the opera itself. Delaware proud: UD grad reflects upon legacy of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts It's the perfect way to combine a riveting night at the opera with a fun, relaxed celebration. Whether you're planning a supreme date night or an evening out with friends, the Opening Night Microgala is your ticket to an unforgettable experience. Visit or call the OperaDelaware box office at 302-442-7807 to get your tickets for the world premiere of "Fearless.'' Join us as we honor the legacy of Hazel Ying Lee, celebrate new American opera, and lift a glass to courage, community, and the thrill of soaring beyond limits. Kerriann Otaño is vice president of engagement of OperaDelaware. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: OperaDelaware stages world premiere of new American opera 'Fearless'
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. military does not hate the Navajo Code Talkers. Stop the pearl clutching.
Never forget that the U.S. military is a vast government bureaucracy that can behave just as ham-handedly as any bureaucracy in Washington, Brussels or the UN's Turtle Bay. Less than two months after new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced a furious backlash for removing training materials on the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), here we go again. The same military has now been scrubbing webpages celebrating the accomplishments of the vaunted Navajo Code Talkers, who contributed to victory in two world wars, reports The Republic's Arlyssa D. Becenti. The first time this happened, Hegseth had barely been confirmed and was facing a fierce backlash from civil rights and women's groups. He reinstated those materials and issued an apology. The Tuskegee Airmen's organization later "expressed gratitude for the swift response from the service's leadership in addressing the concerns,' reported Newsweek. Now Hegseth faces angry Native Americans and many others who admire the Navajo Code Talkers, soldiers who became a proud part of the American story. How could a problem that blew up on day one of Pete Hegseth's new job blow up again only weeks later. I'll say it again. The U.S. military is a vast government bureaucracy as ham-handed as any bureaucracy in the world. Just ask anyone who has served in the U.S. military. Soldiers through the ages have marveled at the creative way their own branch can screw things up. Even the soldiers who trained for months in Britain for the Normandy invasion in World War II, one of the most intricately planned operations in history, would look back and marvel that the same military that did that screwed so many things up during training. It was American G.I.'s in World War II who came up with the acronym F.U.B.A.R. – F---ed Up Beyond All Recognition (or Repair). Faced with orders that rolled downhill from the Trump White House to the Department of Defense to eliminate DEI policies and remnants, the uniformed bureaucrats went into action. Not with a scalpel, apparently, but a howitzer. Soon dead links started popping up on the services websites. And some of those dead links used to go to pages celebrating the Code Talkers. If the goal was to erase the Code Talkers, the Defense Department didn't do a very good job. I had no trouble finding tributes to them on all the service websites: U.S. Army, check. U.S. Navy, check. U.S. Marines, check. And U.S. Air Force, check. President Donald Trump campaigned on eliminating "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI) policies that his predecessor Joe Biden had put in place in the military. Hegseth, who had long criticized Biden's "woke" military, saluted smartly and said moving forward the U.S. military will focus on readiness. DEI programs had become popular following the Summer of 2020 protests and racial reckoning in America, but had also become divisive. A new NBC News poll shows Americans are deeply polarized on DEI. A narrow plurality (49%) of Americans told pollsters DEI programs should be cut 'because they create divisions and inefficiencies in the workplace by putting too much emphasis on race and other social factors over merit, skills and experience.' EJ Montini: Navajo Code Talkers stupidly erased from military websites by Trump's DEI orders Forty-eight-percent said 'DEI programs in the workplace should continue 'because diverse perspectives reflect our country, create innovative ideas and solutions, encourage unity and make our workplaces fair and inclusive.' DEI has created controversy in the American workforce that has led many firms to start rolling it back. The latest is Morgan Stanley, where efforts to institute DEI programs after the 2020 uprising resulted in "a divisive culture in which white and Black employees said there were few winners,' the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. 'Several white executives ... said they felt pushed to hire nonwhite candidates, even without the right experience, or to refrain from ousting underperforming ones,' The Journal reported. On the flip side, Black staffers said they "received emails starting in 2021 welcoming them to an online Black leadership program they hadn't asked to be part of.' '... In interviews, some invitees said they wondered why employees of other races weren't included and likened the program to 'special education' for Black employees.' Opinion: Even Arlington National Cemetery's fallen suffer Trump's DEI dishonor The rollout of DEI across corporate America, academia, the military, the arts and entertainment has been highly contentious. With a nation divided, it is inevitable that the rollback will be equally so. Nonetheless, surely there is a way to celebrate the Navajo Code Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen and the W.A.S.P.'s without promoting the racial ideology of diversity, equity and inclusion. Hegseth will find a way, or he'll find himself neck high in the kind of war that distracts from military readiness. Phil Boas is an editorial columnist for The Arizona Republic. Email him at This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rollbacks by Trump's DEI order hit Navajo Code Talkers | Opinion
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tuskegee Airmen's Legacy Lives On in Gary Amid National Debate
The legacy of Black aviation is a point of pride in Gary, where the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen — trailblazing pilots who fought for America abroad and equality at home — are honored through tributes like a statue at the Gary Aquatorium and a bridge at Gary/Chicago International Airport. These service members helped pave the way for military integration and civil rights progress. But a recent Air Force decision to briefly remove their history from training materials drew sharp backlash and reignited debates about preserving their legacy nationwide. The memory of the Tuskegee Airmen is prominently featured in Gary. On the shores of Lake Michigan, on the east side of the Gary Aquatorium, stands a statue commemorating their contributions. Above the Aquatorium soars a replica P-51 Mustang fighter plane, painted to honor Lt. Robert Martin, a Tuskegee Airman whose story helped inspire the film Red Tails. Included among the squadron was Quentin P. Smith, an East Chicago native, longtime Gary resident, and pioneer. Smith taught at Roosevelt High School, served as the first principal of West Side High School, and founded Emerson Visual and Performing Arts School. In honor of his contributions to education and aviation history, the bridge at Gary/Chicago International Airport bears his name. Out of the 994 Airmen who graduated from the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, at least seven Lake County residents earned their pilot's wings, according to the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. The local pride in the Tuskegee Airmen comes as their history faced a challenge on the national stage. Following an executive order under President Donald Trump that banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the Air Force briefly halted its basic military training course, which included videos on the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs — the first women to fly for the military. The move triggered an immediate outcry from service members, congressmen, and the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving their legacy. In a statement, the organization said it was 'disappointed and strongly opposed' to the removal of Tuskegee Airmen's story from Air Force training courses and called for its immediate restoration. 'The service and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASPs, who were also removed from the Air Force's training courses, are an essential part of American history and carried significant weight in the World War II veteran community,' the statement read. 'We believe the content of these courses does not promote one category of service member or citizen over another. They are simply a part of American military history that all service members should be made aware of.' After the wave of sharp criticism, the Air Force announced Monday it had reinstated the training video. Ken Rapier, president of the Chicago 'Dodo' Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, explained how Chicago and Northwest Indiana played a significant role in Black aviation before World War II. Citing Robbins Airport, the first Black airport in Chicago, and trailblazers like Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to hold a pilot's license, Rapier said many Black aviators emerged from this region, including Gary's own Tuskegee Airmen. As president of the Chicago chapter, Rapier said the organization was upset that the legend of the Tuskegee Airmen was once again in danger of being eradicated, but the attempt at erasing their history only gave the chapter more motivation to promote the story of the iconic Tuskegee Airmen. 'It just gave us a renewed sense of urgency to get the story of the Tuskegee Airmen out there, because it's a story for everybody, all ages, all races, because it applies to everybody. And their motto was, with courage and determination, you can overcome adversity, and that's exactly what they did.' The Tuskegee Airmen overcame immense adversity, both at home and abroad. While they excelled in their mission to defeat Axis powers in Europe during World War II, they returned to the United States only to be treated as second-class citizens. Forced to fight battles on two fronts — against fascism overseas and racism at home — they also faced persistent stereotypes questioning their abilities, prejudices that continue to affect African American service members today. For example, the 'dodo' moniker in the name of the Chicago chapter refers to the flightless bird of the same name, a nod to the difficulties post-war veterans had finding jobs in the aviation industry despite their flying expertise. Despite their treatment while serving their country, Rapier said, the Tuskegee Airmen were so successful, they changed the reputation of the Air Force itself. 'People say, well, the Tuskegee Airmen is Black History. No Tuskegee Airmen are United States history … and because the Tuskegee Airmen were so successful in spite of how they were treated, that's the reason why their story was attempted to be swept under the rug.' The post Tuskegee Airmen's Legacy Lives On in Gary Amid National Debate appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tuskegee Airmen, WASP History Will Stay in Air Force Boot Camp Curriculum Following Outcry
The Air Force is resuming its boot camp lessons about trailblazing Black and female World War II pilots after the material was flagged for review following President Donald Trump's order to cancel all diversity efforts in the military and federal government. Material related to the Tuskegee Airmen, the historic Black aviators, and the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, who helped pilot planes stateside during the war, was initially pulled into efforts to scrub diversity-related education for Basic Military Training, the Air Force told in a statement Sunday. The move caused outcry and public backlash. The effort was "ensuring we implement all directives outlined in the executive orders issued by the president," the service said Friday. But, following fierce public and military condemnation, the content about the WASPs and Tuskegee Airmen was said to have been reinstated by Sunday. Read Next: Inside the Military's Scramble to Move Troops to the Mexico Border "No curriculum or content highlighting the honor and valor of the Tuskegee Airmen or Women Airforce Service Pilots has been removed from Basic Military Training," Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, head of Air Education and Training Command, said in a statement Sunday. "The block in which these lessons were taught included [diversity, equity and inclusion] material which was directed to be removed." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was confirmed by the Senate late Friday in an unusually close and partisan vote, took to social media Sunday evening to say "this has been immediately reversed." The weekend outcry over the Tuskegee and WASP material review is an example of the hurry and confusion as the military attempts to comply with Trump's executive actions. The policy review delayed instruction for one group of boot camp trainees, and a revised training that included the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs was continued on Monday, Robinson said. The Tuskegee Airmen were Black fighter and bomber pilots, as well as support crews, with the 332nd and 477th groups who fought in World War II, numbering more than 16,000 men and women, according to Tuskegee Airmen Inc. -- a nonprofit that advocates for and educates the public on the legacy of the aviators. Notably, Trump promoted retired Col. Charles E. McGee, a Tuskegee Airman, to brigadier general in 2020. McGee died in 2022. The WASP training program graduated upward of 1,000 graduates who "ferried over 50% of the combat aircraft within the United States during the war years" from 126 bases across the country, according to the Air Force Historical Support Division. Tuskegee Airmen Inc. condemned the policy review in a news release Saturday. "The service and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASPs, who were also removed from the Air Force's training courses, are an essential part of American history and carried significant weight in the World War II veteran community," the nonprofit said. "We believe the content of these courses does not promote one category of service member or citizen over another. They are simply a part of American military history that all service members should be made aware of." Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin was still walking back confusion about the curriculum review on Monday. "Allow me to clearly dispel a rumor -- while we are currently reviewing all training courses to ensure compliance with the executive orders, no curriculum or content highlighting the honor and valor of the Tuskegee Airmen or Women Airforce Service Pilots has been removed from Basic Military Training," Allvin said in a statement. "When policies change, it is everyone's responsibility to be diligent and ensure all remnants of the outdated policies are appropriately removed, and the new ones are clearly put in place." The Air Force moved quickly to adhere to Trump's executive orders last week and gutted groups that were dedicated to making quality-of-life improvements for minority, female and LGBTQ+ airmen a priority. Those improvements included creating lactation rooms for nursing service members, pushing for beard policy modifications for Black airmen, and advocating for better-fitting body armor for women. Related: Air Force Groups that Advocated for Beard Policies, Better Body Armor Are Gutted by Trump Directive
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: Stories of Airmen, WASPs need to be told
Jan. 27—There's a grave in Parkway Cemetery in Joplin that needs remembered. It's the grave of Harold E. Brazil, born Aug. 24, 1921; he died Sept. 11, 2007. It says: "Tuskegee Airman." Joplin's Freedom of Flight museum at the Joplin Regional Airport has details about the life of Kenneth Wofford, of Carthage. (It's worth a visit if you haven't seen it.) Born in 1922, he, too, was a Tuskegee Airman, and also is in the Hall of Carthage Heroes. He died in 2010. Then there's Mildred "Micky" Axton, of Coffeyville, Kansas, who was one of the first three women recruited for the Women Airforce Service Pilots. She became a test pilot, pulled target craft and taught pilots classes. She was the first woman to fly a B-29 Superfortress. Born in 1919, she died in 2010. According to the National Park Service, "Because WASP pilots were not military, the federal government refused to pay for their funeral expenses," when one of the WASPs died while flying a plane. "The women's colleagues had to pool money to send their bodies home to their families." Last week, it seems, the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASPs got caught up in the country's DEI debate. That was unfortunate. As you may have heard, the U.S. Air Force had removed some training courses to comply with President Donald Trump's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Somehow, that directive was interpreted to include videos of Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs. In a statement late Saturday, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. the nonprofit foundation created to preserve the legacy of those pilots, said it was "strongly opposed" to the removal of the videos. Apparently those courses are now being revised, and the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs will continue to be included. We welcome that. It is the right decision. It would be unfortunate if these stories were caught up in the DEI debate. And it would dishonor their sacrifice. Both the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASPs are heroic examples for each new generation. Former President George W. Bush awarded the Tuskegee Airmen the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in 2007. In July 2009, former President Barack Obama signed a bill bestowing the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the WASPs for their service during World War II. In 2020, in his State of the Union address, Trump announced he had promoted one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, Charles McGee, to brigadier general. McGee died in 2022 at age 102. We are proud of their stories, proud that they came from the Four-State Area. Their stories need to be told.
