"Red Tails" fly's into theaters with rave reviews

By Laydell Wood Harper/Tell Us USA News Network

(Tell Us USA) “Red Tails” will open in local theaters on Friday, January 20th. If you haven’t already heard or read about this outstanding star studded movie that chronicles the heroic past of the proud, brave men of the Tuskegee Airmen Fighter Group you will. This action packed film is about courage, strength and pride. It has been the talk of the movie industry for months, and is finally in movie theaters. “Red Tails” is the cover story of the February issue of Ebony Magazine that describes the movie as “A blockbuster Action Movie…Making Movie History…A Study in Determination!” You don’t want to miss it!

This year Tuskegee University celebrated the national MLK holiday by honoring Dr. King and “Red Tails.” A celebration that was long overdue. The George Lucas movie, “Red Tails” a movie about the historically celebrated Tuskegee Airmen was reviewed on the King Holiday by some pretty distinguished guests; Lionel Richie, recording artist and popular radio personality Tom Joyner both born in Tuskegee, Ala. and acting star Terrence Howard who stars in this World War II thriller. This historic campus of Tuskegee University on the King Holiday where America’s first black pilots were trained 70 years ago gave the movie’s first screening added meaning.

"I am the son of a Tuskegee Airman," said Joyner, the nationally known radio host who was one of the featured speakers at the Tuskegee University Chapel. "My dad was a cadet, but he washed out but continued to support the program."

Howard, the well known veteran actor who portrays Col. A.J. Bullard in the movie drew raves and applause from the crowd. Cuba Gooding Jr., Academy Award winning actor who plays Maj. Emanuel Stance is staring in the movie with Howard. The movie is loaded with some of the best actors in Hollywood…Nat Parker, Ne-yo, David Oyelowo, Michael B. Jordan, Tristan, Clifford Smith and Leslie Odom, Jr.

At a recent event honoring the original Tuskegee Airmen, many of which live in the Detroit Metropolitan area and are now in their 80’s and 90’s, just hearing them speak with pride and humility about their history making adventures as part of the first African American military aviators in the United States armed forces is a proud moment for all African Americans, and Americans in general. They fought in World War II and were known as the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Despite their talent and skills, the Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to the same racial discrimination as the average African American citizen both within the Air force and in the outside world; They were housed in separate barracks which were much less desirable, had separate eating facilities, and African American officers were not permitted in the officers dining room even though they were officers. Initially the group was equipped with fighter bomber aircraft that was below standard, but In July of 1944 they were authorized to fly the North American P-51 Mustang. When the pilots painted the tails of their P-47’s red, the nickname Red Tails was coined. They were in demand during the battles in the skies, but on the ground it was a different story.

Michigan has a long, prominent history with the Tuskegee Airmen; in 1943 they trained at Selfridge field, but because of unhealthy racial conditions they were moved to Godman field, Kentucky and then to Freeman Field, Indiana. Former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young was a Tuskegee Airman. It was Mayor Young that arranged for the Tuskegee Airmen to have space at old Fort Wayne in southwest Detroit for the first Tuskegee Airmen National Museum.

“Red Tails” is a good old fashioned war story loaded with our own war heroes and lots of action. Be sure to see it on opening day January 20th.. The producer, George Lucas, also the producer of Star Wars, and several box office hits has a long list of award winning movies. Lucas saw the potential in getting the Tuskegee Airmen’s story on the big screen. This real life adventure has all of the thrills of a Star Wars one exception; it is a true story that depicts American history. Lucas believed so strongly in the story of the Tuskegee Airmen that when he could not get Hollywood backing for the film he used his own money, $93 Million to pay for “Red Tail.”

Oprah Winfrey who recently attended a screening in Dallas said, “George cares about the education of young people. He wanted to do a film that would engage them that would excite them, and have them embrace our history in a way that perhaps a documentary could not. This film was created with the idea of attracting young people to become more interested in their history, know who they are and spread the word.” The Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 2007
Larry D. Sargent, Tuskegee Airmen Board Member encourages everyone to go see the film on Friday. “And, when you go, take 5 people with you, and make sure your ticket stub says “Red Tails,” he comments.

“Next month for Black History Month come down and visit the Museum at Fort Wayne. It will be open every day from 10 am-4 pm except Feb. 16 & 17. And be sure to check our website to learn about our youth programs, and our scholarship programs. Beginning in May on the second Sunday every month except July we will offer free airplane rides at City Airport. Visit our website at www.tuskegeeairmenmuseum.com” “Red Tails” will open Friday at the movie theaters in the RenCen and the Palladium in Birmingham. Check your movie guide for a theater near you. Don’t miss this incredible film.