Ozark Vitality, the State Historical Society of Missouri, and Opportunity 1888 Foundation announce the world premiere of Soaring Together: A Tuskegee Airmen Story, a new short film inspired by the true story of World War II Tuskegee Airmen James Shipley of Tipton, Missouri, and Harry Stewart Jr. of Queens, New York.
The premiere event will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at the Center for Missouri Studies, 605 Elm Street in Columbia, Missouri. The program includes a screening of the film followed by a conversation with members of the creative and research team.
Serving as Stewart’s crew chief, Shipley was responsible for keeping the aircraft mission-ready, working alongside Stewart as the two rose above prejudice and war in pursuit of freedom. Told through a Missouri lens, the film grounds a national history in lived experience, offering a deeply human chapter in the larger American story as the nation approaches its 250th year.
The premiere also marks a poignant moment in Stewart’s legacy. Harry Stewart Jr. was one of the last living Tuskegee Airmen who flew combat missions in World War II until his passing on February 2, 2025.
Soaring Together: A Tuskegee Airmen Story was produced by Ozark Vitality in collaboration with Opportunity 1888 Foundation, with support from a Missouri Humanities grant awarded to Opportunity 1888 Foundation as part of Missouri Humanities’ 2026 Signature Series. The film was produced, directed and co-written by Dr. Zachary Scott Clark, who also portrays Tuskegee Airman pilot Harry Stewart Jr.
“Ozark Vitality works to lift up histories that are lesser known or at risk of being forgotten—especially across The Ozarks,” said Tami Hale, executive producer of Soaring Together and founder of Ozark Vitality. “Producing Soaring Together is part of our effort to bring people closer together by recognizing our shared past—both the proud and the painful—and using those stories to build trust, connection, and a stronger sense of belonging.”
Panelists
Zachary Scott Clark is an actor, filmmaker, and storyteller who produced, directed and co-wrote Soaring Together: A Tuskegee Airmen Story and portrays Tuskegee Airman pilot Harry Stewart Jr. His creative leadership and civic impact have been recognized with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, and his work focuses on honoring overlooked histories with integrity and humanity.
Jason J. Little is a St. Louis–born actor whose career spans classical theater, feature films, and television. In Soaring Together, he portrays James Shipley of Tipton, Missouri, bringing depth and dignity to a story of service, perseverance, and legacy.
Jeremy P. Ämick is the author of Together As One, the biography of James Shipley that serves as inspiration for the film. A longtime writer of military biography and regional history, his work is grounded in careful research, oral history, and a commitment to preserving lived experience.
Moderator: Tami Hale is the executive producer of Soaring Together and founder of Ozark Vitality. She has produced more than 18 short films and leads projects that use storytelling to highlight lesser-known histories, strengthen communities, and support local identity.
About Opportunity 1888 Foundation
Opportunity 1888 Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people to value and preserve their history. Centered on the historic Harrison School in Tipton, Missouri—now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the last remaining 19th-century school building in Moniteau County built for Black students—the foundation is working to restore the site as a community resource and the future home of the James Shipley Museum of African American History. Through preservation, education, and museum programming, Opportunity 1888 seeks to make local Black history in rural Missouri visible, accessible, and connected to broader stories of resilience, leadership, and opportunity.
About Ozark Vitality
Ozark Vitality is a nonprofit storytelling and community development organization that produces films and creative projects highlighting lesser-known histories, people, and places in The Ozarks and neighboring communities. Through collaborative, human-centered storytelling, Ozark Vitality works to strengthen social connection, honor complex histories, and support local communities.
About Missouri Humanities
Missouri Humanities is a nonprofit that strengthens communities by connecting Missourians with the people, places, and ideas that shape our society. Through grants, programs, and partnerships—including its 2026 Signature Series—Missouri Humanities supports projects that explore history, foster dialogue, and deepen understanding across the state.