LOS ANGELES – When the space shuttle Endeavour weaves through working-class communities on its way to its retirement home, Hildreth “Hal” Walker Jr. wants the children he tutors to remember a few names: Ronald McNair. Mae Jemison. Charles Bolden.

A retired laser scientist who had a role in the Apollo 11 mission, Walker took the opportunity with the upcoming two-day terrestrial crawl through predominantly African-American and Latino neighborhoods in Los Angeles County to highlight the role that minorities played in the shuttle program.

“We really have a job to do to show them the accomplishments of the people whose shoulders they’re standing on,” Walker said.