NCYF Youth Meet Tuskegee Airman Cpl. Robert Holts

ReConnect, Inc. had the pleasure of hosting two Tuskegee Airmen events in March at the Nebraska Correctional Facility for Youth (NCYF).

On March 16th, Reconnect2Success (R2S) Case Manager Shakur Abdullah hosted the HBO movie "Tuskegee Airmen" for about 35 NCYF clients and staff.

ReConnect, Inc. provided refreshments and had an engaging discussion about the movie with the youth and staff in attendance.

During the discussion, Shakur showed comparisons to obstacles and barriers faced by the Tuskegee Airmen that NCYF clients will face upon their reentry into society.

The movie discussion held on March 16th was a prelude to the event on March 30th - a meet and greet with Tuskegee Airman Cpl. Robert Holts.

It was a historical moment when ReConnect, Inc. Executive Director LaVon Stennis-Williams and R2S Case Manager Shakur Abdullah escorted Tuskegee Airman Cpl. Robert Holts and Alfonza W. Davis Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Omaha Chapter President Bob Rose into the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility.

Tuskegee Airman Cpl. Robert Holts answered many questions from the young men regarding his experiences as one of the first black military aviators to fight in World War II.

One young man asked Cpl. Robert Holts, "What was it like to face so much racism?" We all anxiously awaited his impactful reply. Cpl. Robert Holts responded, "I didn't know any any different, it was just the way it was back then."

The Tuskegee Airmen event was a great historical learning lesson for the young men at NCYF. They thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Cpl. Robert Holts and meeting such a significant figure from history.