“In 1941, a segregated air field in Tuskegee, Alabama was selected as the primary flight training facility for Black pilot candidates in the United States military. Termed an “experiment” because the perception of the day was that Blacks did not have the intellectual capacity to operate complicated machinery, they would have to dissolve the myth fighting two wars—the enemy overseas and segregation at home.”
In 1945, when the war ended, those who flew in the air and those who served on the ground (men and women, military and civilian), had amassed an outstanding record of service and sacrifice despite the racism and discrimination that prevailed throughout the war.
After the war, the Tuskegee Airmen continued to distinguish themselves, making history as pioneers in education, civil rights, government, medicine, sports, aeronautics, and aerospace.
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: AMERICA’S FREEDOM FLYERS honors the rich history of the Tuskegee Airmen. The installation of 113 panels and artifacts celebrates the legacy and impactful history of each region’s “Hometown Heroes”, as well as the 83rd anniversary of Tuskegee Airmen worldwide.
Among the content, a rare article heralding Charles B. Hall, the first Black pilot to shoot down the enemy in WWII, a print signed by General Benjamin O. Davis, Congressional Gold Medals awarded to the Airmen by President George W. Bush in 2007, and a large-scale model of a P-51 fighter “Red Tail” plane signed by several of the original pilots.
The success of this project, comprising the acquisition of memorabilia, figurines, photographs, prints, original artwork, and digital footage, is the result of a collaboration with:
Howard County Memorial Corporation
Community Foundation of Howard County
Zellie Rainey Orr, Researcher/Historian
Robin Williams-Curatorial Design
Artists: Bill Hence, John Slemp
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Contents: 113 panels & objects
Running Feet: 200
Large Scale Model airplanes by special arrangement**
Educational Curriculum/Programs available, tailored to individual locations
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