Tuskegee Airman Visits Portland Community College

Tuskegee Airman Ret. Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson visited the Cascade Campus of Portland Community College Nov. 7 and gave an inspirational public talk. Lt. Col. Jefferson also met students from the Airway Science program. Organized by Michael Chappie Grice, the program works with youth from local schools using flight simulators to teach students how to fly a plane as they learn the science behind aviation.

PCC president Jeremy Brown introduced Jefferson. The airman talked about the history of discrimination against women and African Americans, and told the real story behind the popular film, Red Tails. Jefferson had special words of encouragment for the young people in the audience.

The Portland chapter of the National Association of Black Veterans helped organize the event.  Rep. Lew Frederick turned out to hear from the distinguished airman, along with a crowd of veterans including: former state Sen. Bob Boyer, Jerome Cox Tanner and Ron Webb.