April 2007

You never knows who walks with you in life...For those of you who are aware of the popular Urban Network Magazine as well as there yearly conference...Let it be known that one of the principals that coordinates this organization's conference is CAROLE CARPER.

I have known Carole for a good number of years and find her to be very much a lady who gets the job done. I could never say enough about Ms. Carper...but in the meantime...I felt almost personally attached to the following article. History was made in the Carper family!!!!

A loving tribute to Tuskeegee Airmen, George Carper and Johnny Briggs

Recently represented an event of mixed emotions for my family. You see I have been blessed with two men who were members of the now acclaimed "Tuskeegee Airmen." Both my father and his brother were at Moten Field in Alabama and served with distinction. The US govt. finally recognized these individuals who went on the become some of the most feared and respected pilots in World War II. They were awarded the highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal by Congress in Washington.

They were recognized by all the big brass, Colin Powell, Pres. Bush, Nancy Pelosi....but now these giants were mostly very elderly, sick and a weakened version of their former selves. My uncle and his wife flew there with a nurse, as he has been battling a variety of illnesses and we don't know if he will make it to the end of the year. You must remember, most of them were 19 and 20 year old men at the time of this event, now they are in their late 80's and early 90's.

Its interesting to know that while growing up amid the photos of the red-tailed mustangs they flew and their snappy photo's in uniform, they rarely talked about the experience. These are men I shared every Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter dinner with and it just wasn't a part of the conversation. I think its because of the injustices they suffered in the pursuit of this dream, left many bitter due to a nation that clearly rejected them based on the color of their skin. These were times of segregated restaurants, bathrooms, housing and a government that said they lacked the motor skills to become aviators. Dad still has his Tuskeegee tool box in the garage amid the other memories collected thru 50 years at the same house.

I recall meeting some of their compatriots in childhood. Men who seemed fearless to me and were not afraid of the small stuff. My dad in particular, who survived an aircraft crash with a broken back, went on the drag race cars and tinker with boats, he seemed to me to be a black version of the adventurous Ernest Hemingway. I viewed him as a daring do but he will not fly ever again, says he has had enough of planes. Consequently the only way I get to see him is to go home to St.Louis as he will not fly out here, even for me.. My uncle went on to a career with the Federal Aviation Administration and still will board a flight.

I watched some of their hard drinking friends trying to understand the motivation for their actions. I've seen several pass on, still bitter about never receiving any accolades and quite frankly, giving up on ever getting any. After all here is a govt that sometimes looks as if it would save the world before saving those who served her at home. It was only after Hollywood discovered a great story line and several pictures made, did the fellows begin to loosen up a bit. But the resentment still lives under layers of discrimination built through the years. While my uncle chose to go the ceremonies in Washington, my dad had no problem not participating calling it "a little to late." He went about his business as usual not missing a beat about all the hubbub in Washington.

Nonetheless, I remain proud of my family's accomplishments and desire that I never have to experience the cut of racism that they did. I wish for my children the same, that they never experienced the racism that I did growing up in the Midwest and schooled in the south. I invite you to share my family's pride in who we are and what we have done and thank God for the many blessings he continues to bestow upon us all.

Your loving daughter and neice,

Carole Carper --

Carole Carper President, Premier Meetings & Incentives Entertainment Division 5515 Onacrest Drive Los Angeles, CA 90043 p: 323.290.0292 f: 323.295.0692

As you can see, this was a "personal" note sent to me and a few other...Peepin' would not be true to itself, if we did not continue to be Informative, Educational and Historical...that is our motto...that is our goal! How Proud Peepin' is to have been included in this point of history! - Peepin'

Do yourself a favor and pass on this intimate story...one that was not covered by the press...emotions that were never really put down on paper...until NOW!!!!

When I took upon myself, to really work college radio in a conscious manner..even though I had some success with various college radio stations...my first thought was...Man!!!am I going to have to deal with them like I do with those "high powered" commercial stations. Stations that sacrifice music and our true heritage for the sake of politics and profits...Thank God that was not the case!

Don't get me wrong...there are still a few out there in collegeland that have forgotten the other part of their purpose....To educate, mentor and train students in order to keep our musical history alive. Jerome not only does this through radio but throughout his community....and he got the nerve to be vocally talented too!!!!

Jerome Edward Myles, Sr. (J. Myles, Sr) is a native of Natchez (Adams County), Mississippi, the son of Ruth Norbitt, Carrie B. Myles and the late Rev. James P. Myles. He received his early education in the Natchez-Adams Public Schools where he graduated from North Natchez High School in 1979. He graduated from Natchez Junior College in 1981 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Communications. He also attended Alcorn State University.

Jerome began singing at the tender age of six and has been affiliated with many choirs since then. He was a member of the North Natchez High School Choir. During his singing career he was Founder and President of the Unity Gospel Choir, President of the Renewal Choir under the direction of his brother Alvin Shelby, Sr. and was a member of the Brothers of Faith quartet-singing group of Natchez, Mississippi. Currently, he is the founder and lead singer of J. Myles & The Voices of Praise.

He is the gospel radio announcer/production manager with WTYJ-FM 97.7 in Natchez, Mississippi and the new Gospel Music Director for WPRL-FM 91.7 broadcasting from the campus of Alcorn State University in Alcorn State, Mississippi

Jerome is the owner of J. Myles Productions that produces outdoor gospel events, programs and recordings. He produced a live recording at Christian Hope Baptist Church in Natchez, Mississippi that featured local soloists and choirs. He has been featured on the Ernie Miles and Larry Armstrong gospel television programs. He recorded with the Brothers of Faith, the United Spirituals Singers and the Pleasant Green Baptist Church Choir and has recently recorded his solo project Prayer Will See You Through "The Next Level." He is an active member of the Pleasant Green Baptist Church and the President of the Senior Choir in Natchez, Mississippi.

He is concerned about his community and those that are less fortunate and he tries very hard to do what is necessary to help the community through his singing ministry. His motto is: "The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow and He's There All The Time."

Jerome has received many awards and certificates of recognition and appreciation. In 1998 he was selected as one of the most influential persons in Natchez, Mississippi. In 2005 Jerome received the State Wide Gospel Announcer of The Year at the 27th Annual Gospel Music Awards in Jackson, Mississippi. He also received a resolution for this prestigious award from the Mayor and Board of Alderman in the City of Natchez.

He is married to the former Elizabeth Benjamin of Pattison, Mississippi. He is the father of four children Jerome, Jr., Derrick, Devyn of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kobe Myles. Jerome gives credit for his blessings to God and his family because their love and support has truly been the Wind Beneath His Wings.

J. Myles, Sr. have performed with the following: Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC's, Debra Snipes, The Williams Brothers, Slim & The Supreme Angels, Rev. Andrew Cheairs & The Songbirds, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Doc McKenzie, The Canton Spirituals, The Jackson Southernaires, and The Lighthouse Singers.

He does all this including running a radio station......answering my calls...returning my calls...and anyone who does the aformentioned regarding calls is concerned...gets 5 Our Fathers and 3 Hail Marys...Peepin'