Alma Bailey, a cadet nurse during World War II.
This recap was put together with the help of Rachel Viddy, interim director of the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, and Roxzine Scott, executive assistant and program manager in the Office of the President. Photos courtesy of Roxzine Scott.
On Oct. 17, Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships hosted its monthly dinner for the Drexel community and West Philadelphia neighbors with a few special guests.
The Tuskegee Airmen — specifically, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter Tuskegee Airmen — were honored at the Dornsife Center’s October dinner, an idea that was brought to the Dornsife Center by chapter member Henry Nesmith. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots, as well as navigators, mechanics, nurses, cooks and other support personnel, in the U.S. and served in World War II. The Greater Philadelphia Chapter Tuskegee Airmen is a group that includes people who participated in the Tuskegee Airmen experience from 1941–1946, as well as people who want to maintain the legacy of those men and women.
There are five original members of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women who live in West Philadelphia today, and one original team member was in attendance at the October dinner. Alma Elizabeth Bailey, a 98-year-old local resident who served as a cadet nurse during World War II, was presented with a Citation award from District 6 City Councilmember Michael J. Driscoll in recognition of her service.
As part of the community dinners, the Dornsife Center invites Drexel Athletics teams to attend, and this month, the wrestling, men’s squash and women’s basketball teams joined to meet and celebrate with the community. The Dornsife Center’s dinners provide a space where community members can meet neighbors, make new friends and find out about events at the Center and around the community.
Standing from left to right: Mel Payne, Philadelphia Tuskegee Chapter president; Jeffrey Jordan, outreach community engagement specialist; Dominique Coleman-Williams, Dornsife Center partnerships coordinator; unknown Chapter member; Rachel Viddy, interim director of the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships. Seated: Alma Bailey.
Drexel Wrestling team members and Chapter members enjoying time with Alma Bailey, who is seated and blocked from the camera in this photo.
Pictured from left to right: Drexel Wrestling team member Eli Anthony, Alma Bailey and an unknown Chapter member.
Chapter members, family member of original Tuskegee Airmen members, and Mel Payne, Philadelphia Tuskegee Chapter president.
Standing: Mel Payne, unknown Chapter member, Henry Nesmith (Chapter member) and City Councilmember (6th District) Michael J. Driscoll. Seated: Alma Bailey and unknown community member.
Community members and members of Drexel’s wrestling, women’s basketball and men’s squash teams listening to introductions of Tuskegee Chapter members during the event.