The VIPP Report: In a raw interview with Louisville native Ben “Digital Black” Bush of Playa he opens up to Sherlene Shanklin of WHAS11 and owner of the The VIPP Report about Stephan “Static Major” Garrett. Bush talks about the call he received from Static’s wife six years ago today.
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The VIPP Report by Sherlene Shanklin: Today friends and family paid their final respects to one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Louisvillian Alvin LaRue Sr.passed away on Monday, February 3rd. LaRue was a flight officer for the Tuskegee Airmen and World War II veteran. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers.
I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to find the Kentucky members of the prestigious Alabama unit about 13 years ago for Black History Month. The first person I found was Alvin LaRue Sr. I knew him because I knew his son. We sat down and talked about his accomplishments and how important it was to let people know their history. I remember that he was very humble and so willing to share his story about the segregation in the Army even though they were all fighting for the same thing.
LaRue is a native of Louisville and he was a student at the University of Pittsburgh when he was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1943. LaRue then went on to become one of America’s first Black military airmen.
LaRue was buried today at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, KY. Alvin LaRue Sr. was 89 year old.
During this Black History Month remember those who made sacrifices so that their children, and their children’s children could have a better life.
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The VIPP Report: We are 80 days away from the 140th running of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2nd and Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3rd in Louisville, KY at the historic Churchill Downs.
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The VIPP Report: Dove & BET award winning gospel artist Marvin Sapp is currently on his “School of Choice Tour”. The 11-city free tour is in Louisville, KY tonight. Sapp along with Sunday Best season two contestant and RCA Inspiration label mate Latice Crawford and the Doctor of Comedy Henn Sapp will be at Christ Temple Christian Life Center.
Sapp will share his inspirational story of his late wife Dr. Malinda Sapp who had a vision to take inner city children from great to greater through education. Sapp says he’s excited about partnering with the Black Alliance for Educational Options Partner (BAEO) again, helping to promote school choice to urban communities. Their hope during the tour is to make parents aware of their options when it comes to public education.
After Louisville’s show, The “Marvin Sap School of Choice Tour” heads to Nashville, TN on the 12th, followed by Chattanooga, TN on the 13th and Atlanta, GA on Friday night, February 14th.
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The VIPP Report: In the February edition of Ebony Magazine renowned sculptor Ed Hamilton has one of his pieces featured. The African American Civil War Memorial began in 1992 as a Bill in Congress presented by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia. Work began to develop the site and select an artist to design the commemorative art piece. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities commissioned The Spirit of Freedom designed by artist Ed Hamilton from Louisville, KY. To learn more about Hamilton contact sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.
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