District 6630 Starts a Unique Literacy Project!
President William B. Boyd has Inspired a Book Project to Emphasize Core Rotarian Values

By Roger F. Cram

      William B. Boyd, Rotary International's president, during his address at the Columbus, Ohio PETS (President Elect Training Session), stated: "I ask each of you to lead in the Rotary way, by living as role models of tolerance, unselfishness, and integrity. And because the best leaders have humility, I ask you to do all of this with friendliness and a smile, so that others will be happy to walk beside you."

     It would be difficult to find a group of leaders and role models that better fit president William B. Boyd’s description than the remarkable Tuskegee Airmen, the first black American military pilots in World War II. The trials and tribulations of these extraordinary heroes exemplify “tolerance, unselfishness, integrity, and humility.” Their story will not only bring a tear to your eye, but serve as a true inspiration for us all – our families, our businesses, our schools, and especially our youth.

     Roger F. Cram, a Rotarian and member of the Tuskegee Airmen’s North Coast Chapter in Ohio, teaches business courses at Hiram College (Hiram, Ohio USA) that explore the inspiring values and conflict resolution techniques used by the Tuskegee Airmen. In addition to his Hiram College courses, Roger has given many lectures at Rotary Clubs and colleges around the United States and in Africa. After the talk, audience members frequently ask how they can teach their children about the Tuskegee Airmen and their values?

     Through research, Roger discovered that libraries do not have information on the Tuskegee Airmen, even though there are many books and videos available. Therefore, inspired by the words of William B. Boyd, the Rotary Club of Aurora, Ohio, under the guidance of District 6630’s Governor John (Jack) A. Young (2006-2007), and with the encouragement of District 6630's Governor Robert Prevette (2007-2008),  Roger Cram, and Aurora Rotarians, started a unique Tuskegee Airmen Book Project. To expose others to “tolerance, unselfishness, integrity, and humility,” Rotary Clubs around District 6630 are placing fourteen-book-and-video-combination sets about the Tuskegee Airmen in both school and public libraries to provide our youth and adults with motivating stories of survival, success, values, and honor.

     The Tuskegee Airmen's ability to accomplish nearly impossible tasks while operating in an environment of extreme duress is a talent that must be passed on to others. Their knowledge of how to defeat their enemies while maintaining their enemy’s dignity is a skill that must be preserved for the enrichment of future generations. 

     Are these incredible values real? Click here to find the 16 values used by the Tuskegee Airmen to solve their problems peacefully.  Do they really work if we apply them to our lives? Here’s proof: over the past 62 years, despite poverty and other hardships, not one of the original 11, 583 Tuskegee Airmen has ever been arrested for a felony.

How do Tuskegee Airmen Values Compare to the Rotary 4-Way Test?

Is it the TRUTH? Yes, by living as role models of tolerance, unselfishness, integrity, and humility, we can set positive and encouraging examples of excellence for others to follow.

Is it FAIR to all concerned? Yes, if we work hard on our goals, we can demonstrate through our persistence and excellence that all people of all races are capable. By encouraging future equality in education and job markets, everyone will benefit.

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Yes, by controlling how we react to others we can to pave the way for an integrated military and civilian population, thus creating harmony and cooperation among all people.

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Yes, through our excellence and determination, we can show the wisdom, strength, and benefits to all of an integrated society working together.

     As you can see, the Tuskegee Airmen are inspiring examples of “Service Above Self.” Living life by their example in conjunction with the Rotary 4-Way Test can be an inspiring guide for our next generation.

Tuskegee Airmen Honor Governor Jack Young

     On May 9, 2006, Governor Jack Young was honored by the North Coast Tuskegee Airmen Chapter for his efforts in the Rotary Tuskegee Airmen Book Project. During the event, he joined the North Coast Chapter becoming an official member with full voting privileges. Governor Young was given an autographed Tuskegee Airmen poster and a complete set of Tuskegee Airmen patches from both the fighter and bomber groups.

     On May 18, 2006, Hiram College, working with Governor Jack Young and three local Rotary Clubs (Garrettsville-Hiram, Mantua, and Aurora), formed the new Rotaract Club of Hiram College with 21 Hiram College students as charter members. Promoting the values and leadership skills of the Tuskegee Airmen, through “tolerance, unselfishness, integrity, and humility” as William B. Boyd encouraged, and in unison with the Rotarian 4-Way Test, will be one of the Rotaract of Hiram College’s primary goals.
 

The following chart is a sample of the books and videos selected for the Rotary Club package.  Their prices vary depending on availability; therefore, all Rotary Club packages may not contain the same selections. However, each set will contain 14 items, being a combination of books and videos for placement into school and local libraries. The package cost is $385.00 and includes shipping to your Rotary Club. This is a wonderful Rotary literacy project that not only provides the little-known history of these special American heroes, but also teaches perseverance, problem solving, peaceful conflict resolution, and values to the reader.

EACH $385 SET INCLUDES A SIGNED POSTER OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN FOR YOUR CLUB!

Make your checks payable to The Tuskegee Airmen - North Coast Chapter

You can purchase these book/video sets for your Rotary Club by contacting:

**Book and Video titles may change depending on supply and distribution. This promotion is for Rotary Packages only, not for separate item purchases.

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