Off the Radar: "The Weather Officer: A Father's Day Story"

Host: Emily Gracie
Guest: Kelly Porter, Author of The Weather Officer
Release Date: June 10, 2025

1. Introduction: Celebrating a Pioneering Legacy

In this heartfelt episode of Off the Radar, host Emily Gracie delves into a profound Father's Day story, exploring the life and legacy of Alonzo Smith Jr., one of America’s first Black meteorologists. Through an intimate conversation with his daughter, Kelly Porter, the episode uncovers not only the professional achievements of a trailblazing meteorologist but also the personal journey of a daughter coming to terms with her father's remarkable yet challenging life.

2. Kelly Porter's Heroic View and Emerging Realities

Kelly Porter opens the discussion by reflecting on her childhood perception of her father:

Kelly Porter [00:15]: "My dad being my hero, I just felt that he was, like, always super fantastic at everything and never had any type of hardship or any type of disappointment."

As the conversation progresses, Kelly shares a more nuanced understanding of her father's experiences, revealing the complexities behind his heroic image.

3. Alonzo Smith Jr.'s Early Life and Meteorological Breakthroughs

Emily Gracie introduces Alonzo Smith Jr.’s groundbreaking career:

Emily Gracie [00:27]: "As one of America's first Black meteorologists, Alonzo Smith Jr. was a trailblazer in the field, serving in the military while helping to revolutionize how we predict weather for aviation."

Kelly elaborates on her father's upbringing and educational journey:

Kelly Porter [03:18]: "Born in 1924, in Washington, D.C., during the Great Depression, his grandmother took him to Harlem, where he developed a love for science, particularly meteorology."

Alonzo's academic prowess led him to Dunbar High School and eventually Howard University, where he was influenced by the Tuskegee Airmen, paving the way for his career in meteorology and the Air Force.

4. Overcoming Adversity and Racism

Kelly recounts the racial challenges her father faced, highlighting a pivotal moment in his youth:

Kelly Porter [07:53]: "One day, one of his teachers said, 'Negroes, you don't need to be in class...,' and his grandmother marched up to the school to defend him. This incident instilled in him a determination to prove his capabilities."

These experiences underscored Alonzo’s resilience and commitment to excellence despite societal and familial hardships.

5. The Journey of Writing "The Weather Officer"

The impetus for Kelly's book originated from a heartfelt request:

Kelly Porter [10:15]: "My dad asked me to write this book. He knew he was sick and wanted his story told."

Despite personal challenges and a decade-long delay, Kelly fulfills her promise, driven by her father's handwritten notes and her unwavering dedication.

6. Emotional Milestones: From Publication to Commemoration

Upon completing the book, Kelly describes a poignant moment:

Kelly Porter [13:41]: "I took a book to him, laid it at his grave, and felt immense joy and relief."

She also shares the emotional experience of speaking at the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day:

Kelly Porter [15:31]: "I broke down during my speech, and that was when the weight was lifted."

These moments marked significant emotional milestones in her journey of honoring her father's legacy.

7. Uncovering New Facets of Her Father

Through research, Kelly discovers aspects of her father’s life she never knew:

Kelly Porter [15:43]: "I learned he had disappointments and failures, and times he was confused about his career direction."

Understanding that her father was not a flawless hero but a complex individual added depth to her perception of him.

8. The Importance of Preserving Family Stories

Kelly emphasizes the critical role of storytelling in maintaining family history:

Kelly Porter [18:18]: "It is to tell your family stories. Every family story is worthy of being told."

She underscores how these narratives serve as tools of resistance and sources of inspiration for future generations.

9. Lessons for the Weather Community and Future Meteorologists

Reflecting on her father's adaptability, Kelly draws parallels to the evolving field of meteorology:

Kelly Porter [21:03]: "His legacy is to follow the technology or create the technology. Learn AI, master it, because it is the future."

Alonzo's ability to embrace new technologies, such as IBM mainframe computers, showcased his forward-thinking approach, a lesson crucial for today's meteorologists.

10. Expanding the Narrative: Adoption and "Brown Babies"

Kelly reveals a deeply personal family story intertwined with broader historical events:

Kelly Porter [30:27]: "My parents adopted my oldest sister from a Catholic orphanage in Germany. She was one of the 7,000 mixed-race children known as 'brown babies' born to Black servicemen and German women post-WWII."

This addition highlights the intersection of personal and national histories, shedding light on often-overlooked narratives.

11. Continuing the Legacy: Advocacy and Awareness

Kelly expresses her commitment to advocating for meteorologists and preserving her father's legacy:

Kelly Porter [34:35]: "I want to keep elevating my voice and talking about how important our weather forecasters are."

Her dedication ensures that Alonzo’s contributions and the critical role of meteorologists remain recognized and valued.

12. Conclusion: A Tribute to a Father's Enduring Impact

In closing, Emily Gracie and Kelly Porter reflect on the multifaceted legacy of Alonzo Smith Jr., celebrating his professional achievements and personal resilience. The episode serves as a moving tribute to a father whose work not only shaped his family but also left an indelible mark on the field of meteorology.

Notable Quotes:

• Kelly Porter [00:15]: "My dad being my hero, I just felt that he was, like, always super fantastic at everything and never had any type of hardship or any type of disappointment."

• Emily Gracie [00:27]: "As one of America's first Black meteorologists, Alonzo Smith Jr. was a trailblazer in the field, serving in the military while helping to revolutionize how we predict weather for aviation."

• Kelly Porter [07:53]: "One day, one of his teachers said, 'Negroes, you don't need to be in class...,' and his grandmother marched up to the school to defend him."

• Kelly Porter [10:15]: "My dad asked me to write this book. He knew he was sick and wanted his story told."

• Kelly Porter [18:18]: "It is to tell your family stories. Every family story is worthy of being told."

• Kelly Porter [21:03]: "His legacy is to follow the technology or create the technology. Learn AI, master it, because it is the future."

• Kelly Porter [30:27]: "My parents adopted my oldest sister from a Catholic orphanage in Germany. She was one of the 7,000 mixed-race children known as 'brown babies' born to Black servicemen and German women post-WWII."

• Kelly Porter [34:35]: "I want to keep elevating my voice and talking about how important our weather forecasters are."

Availability:
The Weather Officer by Kelly Porter is available on major book platforms. Those interested in weather history, military history, or inspiring family stories will find it particularly compelling.

This episode not only sheds light on a pivotal figure in meteorology but also underscores the importance of preserving personal and collective histories. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of family, history, and science.