In this episode of Black is America podcast, delve into the inspiring story of Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, a remarkable African-American hero of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Host Dominic Lawson narrates the gripping account of Cashe’s selfless bravery on a fateful night in October 2005. Learn about his early life in Oviedo, Florida, his distinguished military career, and the extraordinary courage he displayed when his unit was attacked by an IED.

This episode not only highlights Cashe’s heroic actions but also explores the significant contributions of black non-commissioned officers throughout military history. Drawing parallels to historical figures like John Horse and the Black Seminoles, Lawson provides a rich, contextual narrative that honors the legacy of African-American soldiers.

Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, Alwyn Cashe’s legacy is a testament to the valor and sacrifice of black soldiers. Join us as we celebrate his life, his heroism, and the lasting impact he has made on military history.

Episode Breakdown:

Introduction: The episode opens on a moonlit night on October 17, 2005, in the Aladin province of Iraq. Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe is on patrol with his unit when their Bradley fighting vehicle is struck by an IED, igniting a series of events that would define Cashe’s legacy as an American hero.

Background: Listeners are taken through Cashe’s early life in Oviedo, Florida, where he grew up as the youngest of ten siblings. Despite humble beginnings, Cashe’s dedication and adventurous spirit led him to enlist in the United States Army in 1988. His military career spans multiple conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm, where he honed his leadership skills and built a reputation for courage under fire.

The Heroic Incident: The heart of the episode details the harrowing incident where Cashe’s vehicle is hit by an IED. Despite being drenched in fuel and engulfed in flames, Cashe selflessly rescues his fellow soldiers, displaying unmatched bravery. His actions on that night, pulling each soldier from the burning vehicle while under enemy fire, highlight his extraordinary heroism and dedication.

Reflection and Legacy: The narrative reflects on the significant role of black non-commissioned officers in the military, drawing parallels between Cashe’s actions and the historical bravery of figures like John Horse and the Black Seminoles. Personal anecdotes and historical context enrich the story, emphasizing the profound impact of African-American soldiers in shaping military history.

Recognition and Honors: The episode concludes with a tribute to Cashe’s legacy, detailing the posthumous awards and recognitions he received, including the Medal of Honor. The story of Cashe's heroism continues to inspire, and his legacy is honored through various dedications, including military facilities and community spaces named in his memory.

This episode explores the life and career of Anne Lowe, a pioneering African American fashion designer who dressed high society elites in the early to mid 20th century. We learn about her early life in Alabama, training in New York, moving to Harlem during the Renaissance, and most famously designing Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress.

Timeline:

• Early Life & Training

• • Born in Clayton, AL in 1898

  • Learned sewing from her mother and grandmother

  • Moved to NYC in 1917 to formally train at S.T. Taylor Design School

  • Segregated at school but still excelled and finished early

• Building Her Brand

• • Opened successful dress salon in Tampa, FL from 1919-1928

  • Saved $20,000 to move to Harlem, NYC during the Renaissance

  • Quickly built clientele among NYC elites and socialites

  • Designed Olivia de Havilland's Oscars dress in 1947

• Peak Years

• • Client list included Rockefellers, Roosevelts, duPonts and more

  • Hired to design 1953 wedding dress for Jacqueline Kennedy

  • Water pipe disaster destroyed original dress 10 days before wedding

  • Remade it in 5 days with help of employees and community

• Late Career Struggles

• • Focused more on artistry than business side, fell into debt

  • Wealthy clients anonymously paid off $13k in back taxes she owed

  • Died in 1981 at age 82 after inspiring new generation of designers

Key Quote: "I love my clothes and I'm not interested in sewing for café society or social climbers. I sew for the families of the Social Register." - Anne Lowe

Impact: Lowe's elegant designs broke racial barriers in high fashion. She paved the way for future Black designers through her perseverance and excellence.

Subscribe, review & learn more at www.blackisamericapodcast.com

The Black Is America podcast, a presentation of OWLS Education Company, was created and is written, researched, and produced by Dominic Lawson.

Executive Producer Kenda Lawson

Cover art was created by Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections.

Sources to create this episode include Ebony Magazine, The Saturday Evening Post, The JFK Library, The Academy, C-Span, History.com, and Blackpast.com

Special thanks to fashion designer Ayeshia Smith of Ayeshia.com. Follow her on IG at Ayeshia.appareal

Also pecial thanks to Elizabeth Way, Associate Museum curator at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Special thanks to first Chutney Young for suggesting Ann Lowe as a topic.

And lastly thank you Lisa Woolfork, founder of Black Women Stich and host of the Stitch Please Podcast. We collaborated with her on this espisode and she introduced us to Elizabeth Way. Follow on IG At Black Women Stitch.

This episode of the Black is America podcast tells the story of Guy Bluford, the first African American astronaut in space. We'll explore his early life and inspirations, his path to NASA, the historical significance of his achievement, and his spaceflights.

Guy Bluford's Upbringing and Early Inspiration

- Guy Bluford was born in 1942 in Philadelphia, PA and became fascinated with aviation and engineering from a young age. 

- He was inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen and other pioneering African American aviators who were breaking barriers in the 1940s and 50s.

- Bluford joined the Air Force, became a pilot, and flew combat missions during the Vietnam War, further fueling his passion for aerospace.

Becoming an Astronaut

- In the late 1970s, Bluford was selected for NASA's astronaut training program along with other African Americans like Ron McNair and Fred Gregory.

- This was part of the first class of Space Shuttle astronauts as NASA prepared to launch a new era of spaceflight.

Making History in Space

- On August 30, 1983, Bluford launched into space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, becoming the first African American astronaut in space.

- Original Tuskegee Airmen and other African American aviation pioneers attended the launch in recognition of Bluford's achievement.

- Bluford flew a total of four Space Shuttle missions between 1983 and 1992, logging nearly 700 hours spent in space.

Inspiring Future Generations

- Bluford's accomplishment built on the struggles of earlier pioneers like Ed Dwight Jr. and inspired future African Americans to pursue careers in the space program.

- After retiring from NASA, Bluford remained committed to encouraging youth, especially minorities, to pursue STEM careers. 

- His pioneering journey from Philadelphia to the cosmos opened doors for future African American astronauts, scientists, and engineers.

Conclusion

- In conclusion, Guy Bluford broke barriers as the first African American in space, both symbolically and literally reaching new heights. 

• His achievement highlighted the perseverance and talent within the African American community and paved the way for greater diversity in space exploration.

The Black Is America podcast, a presentation of OWLS Education, was created and is written, researched, and produced by Dominic Lawson.

Executive Producer Kenda Lawson

Cover art was created by Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections. 

Sources to create this episode include NASA.gov,History.com’s program Military Heroes,The New York Times,The History Makers.org,The International SciEd Center and Space Museum in Hutchinson Kansas,The Television Academy Foundation, Arcfireld Weather,ABC News, Smithsonian Magazine, and CBS News.