By Paul L. Hubbard, Executive Director, Maritime Academy
Special to The Truth
After six years the Toledo Air Show returned to the Toledo Airport.
Thomas Winston, president and CEO of Toledo’s Port Authority, was a perfect host of the Port Authority ‘s VIP Chalet for the 2025 Air Show. There were thousands of people in attendance in different venues at the air show enjoying the maneuvers of the jets. Some of the air show’s pilots were African Americans.
One of the fascinating events was a jet-powered truck outrunning a jet that was flying in the air.
An interesting conversation took place in Winston’s Chalet. Thomas Winston spoke about the hundreds of different types of jobs that the Toledo Airport has. The Toledo Airport does a lot of cargo business as well as other types of business along with one passage airline. There are millions of dollars in business activities and business opportunities at the airport.
Winston would like for African American business people to investigate what business opportunities are available there.
Marie Bush, PhD, who is board chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters was discussing with State Rep. Josh Williams and State Rep. Elgin Rogers about having a State of Ohio Day named Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Williams and Rogers spoke about why it is necessary for both Democrats and Republicans to support education and young people’s issues. Both state reps are supportive of the Port Authority and the Toledo Airport.
Williams said: “What a blessing to attend the Toledo Air Show on Mother’s Day and see so many families gathered together, celebrating moms and making memories under the roars of the jets.”
Rogers added “It was a great day to see the African American kids as well as all kids enjoying the Air Show.” He noted that children are our future and we should have more passion for them.
The Saturday before the Air Show, Winston received a honorary doctorate degree from Lourdes University. At the Winston reception, Lourdes Board President Pariss Coleman talked about the service Winston has given to the Toledo Community.
The Toledo Air Show will return next year. I recommend that families with young children attend because it is both educational and enjoyable.
