The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Lunch and Lecture on the Tuskegee Airmen

The historic, 157-year old Elmwood Cemetery, where many famous and infamous figures in Memphis history rest (including swing band leader Jimmie Lunceford), is hosting a lunch and lecture about the Tuskegee Airmen on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.  Admission is $10, and you can register at the Events page on Elmwood website. 

The Tuskegee Airmen refers to all those involved in the "Tuskegee Experiment", a program implemented by the Army Air Corps to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. Nearly 1000 men graduated from the program, and over 450 were deployed oversees with the 332 Fighter Group of the Army Air Corps. Overcoming segregation and discrimination, the Tuskegee Airmen became one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War 2 and paved the way for full integration of the United States military. This program is presented by Mable Barringer.

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