Queens Perspectives: The Learning Tree Multi-Cultural School Tuskegee Airmen Honoree Reception

Nicole and Nathaniel Bailey, founders of The Learning Tree Multi-Cultural School, held a luncheon at The Riverview Restaurant in Long Island City to commemorate the incredible Tuskegee Airmen, who have become role models to everyone. The Tuskegee Airmen; George Watson, Sr., Dabney N. Montgomery, Roscoe C. Brown, Jr., Wilfred R. DeFour, and (in memoriam) Percy E. Sutton; received Legacy Awards from the school. They overcame segregation in the military to become one of the best fighter groups of all time. Their success led to President Truman’s executive order to desegregate the military in 1948. For their dedication to this country, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall officially declared January 28 as “The Tuskegee Airmen’s Day.” The event was co-hosted by Bob Law, radio personality and community activist, and Brendan Jackson, alumni of The Learning Tree Multi- Cultural School. Students from the school read excerpts from their essays about “Why It Is Important To Keep The Tuskegee Airmen’s Legacy Alive.” There was also a performance by the school’s band.   The Learning Tree Mulit-Cultural School   A Testimonial by Yazmin Baptiste I walked into the room with wide eyes and a curious mind. I looked at the white room in front of me filled with kids from K to 8th grade. I shook behind my mother, trying to hide from this new world I would soon be a part of. A woman with a gray suit came to me and smiled. "Are you Yazmin?" She said. I nodded, still behind my mom." Don't be scared, I'm Ms. Bailey. Let me show you to your classmates" I shakily took her hand, and gave my mother one last pleading look. My mother gave me the " Go ahead, it'll be fun" look and I officially started my first day of kindergarten. As Ms. Bailey walked me to my class she said "You know, I knew you before you were born." I looked at her with wide eyes like she told me the secret to all man kind. "Really!" I said in my squeaky kindergartner voice. "Of course! And I knew your brother too!" At that point I thought I was going to like this lady. Since that day on Ms. Bailey has not only been my principal, but my friend. She has touched my life with her kindness and support, and helped mold me to be the person I am today. She always has had a listening ear, and a solution to my problems. Her kindness touches me until this day. Despite her tough, business like exterior, she welcomes people with a warm heart. She might be tough, but I never known her to yell at me. She sits you down and gives you a heart to heart talk that makes you think twice before doing it again. She has always been professional and I have learned most of my business trick of the trade from her. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Ms. Bailey is truly one of a kind. She is kind, nice, and sincere. Without her I would be a totally different person if I ever need anything I know Ms. Bailey will always be there with an extended hand. February 5, 2013