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Tuskegee Airman Honored At MLK Celebration

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ) -- Thursday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, and in a few days the nation will celebrate.

Now, as Mike Schuh reports, an honor for another trailblazer at Coppin State University.

This man helped to change America and it is his birth that the people in this room, at this historic black college--celebrate.

"This is a joyous occasion, but I want you to think back to where you were during some of these items we are talking about"

One person who's prospered through many difficult times came back to where he once taught.

Dr. Cyril Byron was a Tuskegee airman. Fought segregation, and helped to build Coppin State.

"When I came to Coppin in 1953 there were three buildings," said Dr. Byron Sr.

On a day to remember this man, those here acknowledge a great man who still walks among them.

94-year-old Dr. Byron is given special recognition today and he in turn says we all haveto remember those who sacrificed along the way in the civil right movement.

"Because of what he did they have an opportunity to move forward, and that's why you have to keep it in front. Because you see if you don't they'll forget it and start something else," Dr. Byron Sr. said.

This is the 7th year that Coppin has held a breakfast to honor the civil right leader.

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