In honor of Black History Month I thought I would post something which I feel exemplifies the African American experience and contributions to our nations history. The Tuskegee airmen overcame great odds in making their achievements and contributions to the civil rights movement and the US military. Here are a few helpful links..... http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=1356 http://www.tuskegeeairmen.org/ http://www.josephgomer.com/ Please post your favorite numismatic/exonumic item that you feel pertains to Black History Month.
What is long overdue is the Frederick Douglas Commemorative that should be celebratory of the foundation of the equal rights movement. The idea of a politically appeasing movement known as the so called "Black History Month" is offensive. Frederick Douglas would be offended too. With that being said The Tuskegee Airmen deserve to be honored in numismatics as great Americans, not African-Americans. That is one great medal.
I started this thread not to get into a discussion on whether a certain terminology is politically correct or not but rather to celebrate the achievments of black Americans as portrayed in numismatics/exonumia. At some time in our rich history every ethnic group has been refered to as either German American or Irish American etc. etc. The point is we are all American, and nobody can take exception to that. It's our rich and diverse heritage that makes our nation great.
One of my favorite Detroiters of all time. Sometimes called a crook and a scammer, Coleman young was a class act at times and a scoundrel at others. He IS Detroit in my generation, and a beloved figure at that. Also, as you'll read, a Tuskegee Airman. Coleman Young did more for Detroit than any political figure before him or after him. He will forever remain the signature of a great city, behind only perhaps the late great Henry Ford. Coleman Young would cry today at the sad state of his city. link: http://www.is.wayne.edu/mnissani/elephant/young.htm
