“Neither you nor I can control the things that happened to you as a child, but you are responsible for the shape of your life going forward.”

After my parents passed away, and I got kicked out of high school, I went to live with my Uncle Hal. At a time in my life when I felt lost and confused, he not only gave me structure and stability, but his words gave me the push I needed to take ownership of my life and they have become a lens through which I see everything. 

After my mother passed when I was 8 and my father when I was 12, I bounced around between different family members, and eventually was taken in by my Uncle Haldane King. Uncle Hal was a former Tuskegee Airman - one of the first African-American pilots to serve in the U.S. military -and his bravery and determination inspire me to this day.

Last week, the Maryland General Assembly began discussions to create a day of recognition in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen. I fully support this effort in honor of Uncle Hal and those who served – if you do too, will you sign the petition to urge Maryland legislators to make it a reality?

At a time when the color of his skin was met with segregation and the denial of civil rights, Uncle Hal risked his life to protect our country because he fundamentally believed in the promise of equality of opportunity. His commitment to fighting for equity and his fierce belief in America’s fundamental promise, despite the challenges of intense racial discrimination, has stayed with me and inspires me as we work to build a more equitable Maryland. 

Can you help honor his memory and the memory of so many other courageous Tuskegee Airmen by signing our petition today?

Thank you,

John King