About This Book
In 1941, the world was more dangerous for black people than it had been during the times of slavery.
Awash at home in a battle against Jim Crow -- and eyes looking across the Ocean revealed an enemy who would return every person of color to the status of slave. We are removed from this by some 65 years. It is, therefore, easy to forget that the Nazi Regime demanded that every Negro, Mulatto and Quadroon registered with the Gestapo, their whereabouts to be monitored; their possessions seized and their future: Forced Labor.
Blacks in America stood up. 450,000 served in all branches. 60,000 on activity duty outside the continental United States. 25,000 in the Pacific war with MacArthur. 10,000 in North Africa with Eisenhower.
But contributions cannot be measured by military service alone. There was a war of production and support. We worked in aircraft manufacturing, engineering, ordnance factories, shipyards and in every aspect of production for way while fighting against overwhelming barriers to equal employment, not receiving equal pay and treatment. Yet we still signed up to offer our talents, our commitment--our lives-- from Portland to Port-au-Prince, from Des Moines to Dallas, from Murray to Minneapolis, we clamored for an opportunity to serve America in the fight against Germany and Japan--to protect a certain way of life.
Calvin Spann and the 332nd Fighter Group were part of this reality. Sometimes in war, it as dangerous to look as it to see. And for many Black pilots, the skies over Europe were safer than the soil at home. One 17 year old boy from New Jersey beat the odds to become a decorated fighter pilot, helping eradicate the reign of the Luftwaffe.But just because a war end, it doesn't' mean it over.
A Graphic Novel about one young man's journey.
The hopes of all of Black America flew with young men like Calvin Spann...his American dream was ours.
