Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
The distinguished guests will be featured during inaugural Red Tails Classic Gala on Aug. 29 in Montgomery
Tuskegee University will welcome an extraordinary lineup headlining the Inaugural Red Tails Classic Gala, the signature celebration of Red Tails Classic Weekend on Saturday, Aug. 29. Entertainment icon MC Lyte, NASA astronaut Capt. Victor J. Glover, Dr. Lonnie Johnson ’73, the internationally renowned inventor of the iconic Super Soaker, and award-winning recording artist Pastor Michael DeWayne McClure Jr., known as Pastor Mike, will join donors for an evening of music and conversation honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and innovation that is propelling the Renaissance Era at Tuskegee.
The gala, which will be held at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery, Alabama, will support scholarships for Tuskegee University students. Tickets are available
here.
“In our Renaissance Era, as Tuskegee University marks 145 years of excellence, innovation, and leadership, the Inaugural Red Tails Classic Gala celebrates the extraordinary legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by investing in the future of our institution,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of Tuskegee University. “We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of guests whose bodies of work truly reflect the values that have defined Tuskegee University since 1881 and who continue to inspire future generations through leadership, innovation, and service.”
MC Lyte will serve as host for the evening before taking the stage as the featured guest DJ for the official Red Tails Classic After-Party. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, MC Lyte has broken barriers throughout her legendary career as an artist, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the most influential voices in hip-hop. She became the first female to perform Hip Hop in the White House, the first rap artist to perform at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall, the first female rapper to receive a gold single, and the first female solo rapper nominated for a Grammy Award.
Captain Victor J. Glover, Jr., is a NASA astronaut, U.S. Navy Captain, engineer, and pilot of NASA’s historic 2026 Artemis II mission. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013, Glover previously served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft and Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station before piloting Artemis II, humanity’s return to the vicinity of the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Across his two NASA missions, Glover has spent 178 days in space, representing the courage, leadership, and pioneering spirit synonymous with the Tuskegee legacy.
Tuskegee will also welcome home three-time Tuskegee University alumnus Dr. Lonnie Johnson ’73, ’75, ’18, the internationally renowned inventor of the iconic Super Soaker, a bona fide “rocket scientist,” entrepreneur, and one of America’s most accomplished inventors. Holding more than 160 patents, with dozens more pending, Dr. Johnson earned multiple NASA achievement awards for his work on the Mars Observer, Galileo, and Cassini missions and continues inspiring future innovators through his commitment to STEM education.
Special inspirational remarks will be delivered by Pastor Michael DeWayne McClure Jr., the award-winning pastor, recording artist, and founder of Rock City Church in Birmingham, Alabama, whose message of faith, leadership, and purpose has inspired audiences across the nation.
“Red Tails Classic Weekend is where history, innovation, leadership, and opportunity converge,” said Dr. A.L. Fleming, Chief Business Officer and Vice President for Development. “By bringing together pioneers in aerospace, innovation, entertainment, and faith, we are creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates one of America’s greatest stories while investing in the next generation of Tuskegee leaders. Every sponsorship and every ticket purchased directly supports our student-athletes, expands STEM opportunities, and strengthens Tuskegee University’s mission for generations to come. We invite alumni, friends, corporations, and partners from across the nation to become part of this historic inaugural celebration.”
Corporate partners, alumni, and friends of Tuskegee University are invited to become founding sponsors of Red Tails Classic Weekend. Sponsorship opportunities, event registration, and ticket information are available at
www.tuskegee.edu/rtc.
© 2026 Tuskegee University
