Greetings Visitors, Friends, and Supporters:
As a proud native of Tuskegee, Alabama, a longstanding resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, and the President of the Milton Pitts Crenchaw Aviation Training Academy (MPCATA), it is my indeed honor to welcome you to the official Milton Pitts Crenchaw Aviation Training Academy (MPCATA) Website.
Since MPCATA’s incorporation on May 1, 2009, we have continued to commemorate the unparallel and remarkable legacy of Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen Milton Pitts Crenchaw (January 13, 1919 – November 17, 2015), one of the first African Americans in the country and the first from Arkansas to be federally trained as a civilian licensed pilot.
On May 4, 2015, I had the esteemed honor of meeting Dr. Crenchaw on back where it all started for both of us, the historic town of Tuskegee, Alabama at the distinguished Moton Field Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. It was truly an unforgettable and treasured family affair, as Dr. Crenchaw was accompanied by his daughter Dolores Crenchaw Singleton, and I was joined by my wonderful husband Terry Wright, mother Frankie Wise, and sister Monica Wise. I was even afforded the chance to hug and kiss Dr. Crenchaw as I expressed the impact his legacy has had on me and countless of others.
Not too long ago, I read a quotation – Reflect upon your past;
It is your heritage.
Acknowledge the present;
It is your responsibility.
Plan for your future;
It is your challenge.
As we continue to reflect upon the heroic past of the late and great Milton Pitts Crenchaw and to remember those who helped along the way and those who blazed the trail you follow; as we acknowledge our unique strengths, passion, and purpose; and as we plan to work in synergy for future of our children and their paths to success; let’s all remember that alone we can dream, but together we can soar!!!!
Thank you for your continued support of MPCATA’s organization, youth, and our mission to provide young people opportunities to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace industry. And may we continue to take off, lift, and take flight as we celebrate not only our Dr. Crenchaw’s endearing legacy but the best that is still yet to come for generations to come!!!
Sincerely,
Michele Wise Wright, Ph.D.
MPCATA President and Board Chair
