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Tag: Never Forget

  • Remembering 9/11 Victims: DC Students & Teachers

    Twenty-four years ago, the world watched in horror as planes struck the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. This tragic day claimed nearly 3,000 lives, forever altering the course of history. Among those lost were six individuals from Washington D.C.’s public school system, whose journey to a National Geographic conference turned into an unimaginable tragedy.

    Six Lives Lost on Flight 77

    Three students and three teachers were on board Flight 77, which was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. These weren’t just statistics; they were vibrant members of their community, each with unique stories and dreams. The victims included Leckie Elementary School teacher Hilda Taylor and her 11-year-old student Bernard Brown, Bertie Backus Middle School teacher Sara Clark and her 11-year-old student Asia Cottom, and Ketcham Elementary School teacher James Debeuneure and his 11-year-old student Rodney Dickens.

    The students were en route to California for a special ecology study trip, a testament to their bright futures and academic promise. Their teachers, dedicated educators, were guiding them on this educational adventure. The attack at 9:37 a.m. that morning not only took everyone on the plane but also claimed the lives of 125 Pentagon employees.

    Remembering Their Legacies

    Even after 24 years, the memories of these six individuals remain vivid for those who knew them. Estella Cleveland, a retired Leckie Elementary teacher, shared with ABC 7 News around the 20th anniversary, “It seems like they never left us… They will always be remembered in my heart.” This sentiment echoes the enduring impact they had.

    DC Public Schools shared poignant details about each victim. Asia Cottom was a new student at Backus Middle School, where her father served as a coach and classroom aide. Bernard Brown, known for his lively spirit at Leckie Elementary, was recommended for the trip as a reward for his progress. Rodney Dickens, an honor roll student at Ketcham Elementary, was a role model and a devoted pro wrestling fan.

    The Teachers’ Stories

    Hilda Taylor, a veteran teacher at Leckie Elementary, was a mother and grandmother who immigrated from Sierra Leone seeking a better life. James DeBeuneure, a father of three, had returned to teaching at Ketcham Elementary for his second career. Sarah Clark, who began her DCPS career in 1965, was a mother of two and was engaged at the time of the attack.

    Local Tributes and Enduring Hope

    In the years since, local tributes have kept their memories alive. Leckie Elementary proudly displays a banner with all six names and a stained-glass memorial for Taylor and Brown. Ketcham Elementary has a dedicated “9/11 room” for Dickens and DeBeuneure, serving as a space for quiet reflection.

    Jalin Debeuneure, James DeBeuneure’s adoptive daughter, shared her journey of healing, emphasizing the importance of hope. “Someone will see this and say, ‘Wow I feel exactly how she felt but I see how she is 20 years later, there’s hope for me,’” she stated. Her message is a powerful reminder that even in the face of profound loss, healing and hope are possible.

    • Three students and three teachers from DCPS were victims of the 9/11 Pentagon attack.
    • They were traveling to California for a National Geographic conference.
    • Victims included teachers Hilda Taylor, Sara Clark, James DeBeuneure, and students Bernard Brown, Asia Cottom, Rodney Dickens.
    • Local schools and communities have established memorials to honor their lives.
    • Their legacies continue to inspire hope and remembrance.

    How do you remember 9/11? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.

  • Unsung Black Heroes of 9/11

    Twenty-four years ago, the United States experienced a day that would forever be etched in its history. The terror attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on September 11, 2001, claimed nearly 3,000 lives across New York City, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. While the nation grapples with the collective trauma, it’s crucial to remember the countless individuals who displayed extraordinary courage, especially the unsung heroes of color who stood on the front lines.

    Heroes on the Ground and in the Air

    Among those lost at the World Trade Center was NYPD Sgt. Rodney Gillis. His former colleague, Madeline Lawrence, recalled Gillis’s selflessness, noting he jumped into action to save lives despite not being on duty that day. “He was our sergeant, and he looked out for us,” Lawrence shared, highlighting his deep appreciation for the magnitude of the buildings he protected.

    The stories of a group of African American firefighters who gave their lives at Ground Zero have often gone untold. Vernon Cherry, Tarel Coleman, Andre Fletcher, Keith Glascoe, Ronnie L. Henderson, William L. Henry Jr., Gerard Jean Baptiste, Karl Joseph, Keithroy Maynard, Shawn E. Powell, Vernon Richard, and Leon W. Smith Jr. were among the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their heroism was later chronicled in the 2004 documentary “All Our Sons–Fallen Heroes of 9/11.”

    Stories of Sacrifice and Resilience

    Regina Wilson, a second-year FDNY firefighter during the attacks, described the harrowing efforts to draft water from the river to combat the widespread fires. She emphasized that the Black firefighters who perished will never be forgotten, noting that their stories are often overlooked by the media. “Every year we go and pay our respects and pay homage to those Black members that passed away because the media doesn’t recognize their lives and their purpose,” Wilson stated.

    Leon W. Smith Jr., a driver for Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn, grew up with a passion for firefighting, inspired by the firehouse across the street from his childhood home. Despite facing harassment early in his career, his resolve never wavered. His mother, Irene Smith, continues to honor his legacy, ensuring his memory lives on through a co-named street and college scholarships.

    Beyond the First Responders

    U.S. Marine Jason Thomas, then 32, ran towards Ground Zero with just a flashlight and shovel, unearthing two police officers buried under debris. His identity remained unknown for four years, and he was even mistakenly portrayed as white in the 2006 film “World Trade.” Thomas, however, brushed off the inaccuracy with a patriotic spirit.

    The tragic loss extended to the youngest among us. Eleven-year-old students Asia Cottom, Rodney Dickens, and Bernard Curtis Brown II were on Flight 77, en route to a “Sustainable Seas Expedition” with National Geographic. Their memory is honored through sanctuaries named Kingman and Heritage Islands, established in collaboration with D.C. public schools and other organizations.

    LeRoy Homer Jr., a United Airlines pilot, was assigned to Flight 93. After learning about the other attacks, he and others organized a takeover attempt against the hijackers, ultimately crashing the plane in Pennsylvania. His bravery in the face of terror saved countless lives.

    Dedication to Identification and Remembrance

    Darryl Warner, the country’s only African American diener at the City College of New York, dedicated himself to identifying victims at Ground Zero. He traveled daily to help the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, embodying a hero’s commitment to science and service.

    Marcy Borders, famously known as “The Dust Lady” for the iconic image of her covered in soot, survived the collapse of the World Trade Center’s Tower One. Sadly, she passed away in 2016 from stomach cancer, a fate believed to be linked to the toxic fumes from the attacks, highlighting the long-term health consequences for survivors.

    Black Journalists on the Front Lines

    Veteran journalist Richard Prince highlighted the immense challenges faced by Black journalists covering 9/11. Jennifer Thomas, who was the only Black producer for CNN that day, recalled the immense responsibility she felt: “You bear a great responsibility. I don’t have a choice. I don’t have an opportunity to mess up.”

    • Remembering NYPD Sgt. Rodney Gillis, who died saving others.
    • Honoring the 12 African American firefighters who perished at the World Trade Center.
    • Celebrating the bravery of U.S. Marine Jason Thomas, who rescued officers from debris.
    • Commemorating the young lives of students Asia Cottom, Rodney Dickens, and Bernard Curtis Brown II on Flight 77.
    • Recognizing pilot LeRoy Homer Jr.’s heroic actions on Flight 93.
    • Acknowledging Darryl Warner’s dedication to identifying victims.
    • Remembering Marcy Borders, “The Dust Lady,” and the health impacts of 9/11.
    • Highlighting the crucial role and challenges faced by Black journalists covering the event.

    Who are the unsung heroes of 9/11 that you remember? Share their stories in the comments below.