Far left Derek L. Leeds, Lion Clubs International, he is Noel Izon's cousin, Rev. Wortham Fears, Luella Hill Dudley, Major General USAF (retired) James T. Whitehead Jr., Producer and Director Noel Izon of Choco'late Soldiers. I had the privilege of holding the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal.
Below: Black History Tribute -
Producer and Director Noel Izon of Choco'late Soldiers at CSU Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California and Executive Producer of It's Luella! Talk Show Sherry Prewitt.
On February 22, 2018 at CSU Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California they showed the Choco'late Soldiers movie which is not out yet. Coming soon. This is the Panel Discussion after the movie.
James Whitehead, Jr., the first African American Lockheed U2 pilot, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1934. From a young age Whitehead was surrounded by a strong military presence in his family including relatives who served in World War II. Coming of age during that war he also remembered the Tuskegee Airmen who inspired his desire to learn to fly.
Whitehead enlisted in the New Jersey Army National Guard in May 1952 and served until 1955. He later became the first African American graduate of the University of Illinois Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He graduated in June 1957 with a degree in Physical Education and was commissioned a second lieutenant.
It's been more than 60 years since Wortham Fears became one of the first black men to serve in the United States Marine Corps.
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But it wasn't until last month that the Oakland resident has been willing to speak proudly of his military service to his country during World War II.
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In June, Wortham Fears was among 400 surviving members of the Montford Point Marines to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian award, for helping break the color barrier in the U.S. armed services.
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sfgate.com July 20, 2012
February 22, 2018 at the CSU Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California.
Below: Producer and Director Noel Izon of Choco'late Soldiers at CSU Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California.
