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by Kelly V. Porter (Author)
The extraordinary true story of a pioneer among America's first Black meteorologists, Alonzo Smith Jr. broke racial barriers in the military and science, and landed at the leading edge of aviation weather forecasting. Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures, The Things Our Fathers Saw, and The Man Who Caught the Storm.
Set against the backdrop of segregation, The Weather Officer spans forty years and soars through history, beginning in the 1930s with Alonzo's impoverished upbringing in Harlem and Washington, DC. Realizing he has a knack for math and science, his grandmother implores him to pursue higher education. Yet, his domineering father forces him to drop out of school and work to help support the family.
Alonzo ultimately breaks free from home and serves in World War II. Later, he resumes his schooling and finds himself under the mentorship of several Black pilots, known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Standing on their shoulders, he recaptures his childhood dream of becoming a scientist. As a weather officer, he builds a beautiful life with his wife, Betty, and ascends the ranks of the US Air Force, defying the oppressive views that seek to hold him back.
At the dawn of the Computer Age, Alonzo receives awards and accolades for his groundbreaking achievements in weather forecasting and aviation technology. However, he grapples with conflicting loyalties that surface during the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. In the wake of national turmoil, he questions whether America will truly ever become the land of equality.
The Weather Officer is more than a biography. It's the author's tribute to her father's inspiring legacy-a heartfelt story of hope, perseverance, and a poignant reminder of what matters most.
