Posts tagged with "the tuskegee airmen"

Overdue Recognition – The Tuskegee Airmen’s Top Gun Victory

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They were the best of the best, but their victory was silenced. In 1949, a group of Black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen soared to victory in the US Air Force’s first aerial gunnery competition, a precursor to the renowned “Top Gun.” Yet, their triumph was deliberately buried due to the pervasive racism of the era. This is their story, a tale of skill, resilience, and the fight for long-overdue recognition.

Need to Know:

  • In 1949, the US Air Force held its first aerial gunnery competition,  precursor to the famed “Top Gun.”
  • The Tuskegee Airmen, a group of Black pilots who had overcome racial segregation and discrimination, won the competition.
  • Due to racial bias, their victory was not officially recognized for decades.
  • It wasn’t until 1993 that the truth came out, and only recently has the Air Force fully acknowledged their achievement.

Takeaways:

  • The Tuskegee Airmen’s victory highlights the incredible skill and bravery of these pilots, who faced both enemy fire and racism.
  • Their story underscores the injustice of racial segregation and the importance of recognizing and rectifying historical wrongs.
  • This long-overdue recognition is a step towards honoring the contributions of Black Americans to military and aviation history.

The Truth: Lt. Col. James Harvey, Tuskegee Airman and 1949 First Gunnery Competition winning team member. The Lie: Tom Cruise.

Impact on American Culture and Society:

  • The Tuskegee Airmen’s story is a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans in the face of adversity.
  • Their achievements challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams, regardless of obstacles.
  • Recognizing their victory contributes to a more accurate and inclusive understanding of American history and culture.

During the Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland on September 21, 2021, Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, paid tribute to the 332nd Fighter Group. As part of the AARP “Wish of a Lifetime” program, he recognized the accomplishments of Retired Lt. Col. James Harvey, a Tuskegee Airman and member of the 1949 First Gunnery Competition winning team.

The Tuskegee Airmen’s Top Gun victory is a story of skill, perseverance, and justice delayed but not denied. It is a story that deserves to be told and celebrated, not just for its historical significance but also for its enduring message of hope and resilience.

Assault on Diversity: Air Force Strips Tuskegee Airmen from Training Curriculum, Then Backtracks on DEI Decision

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In a controversial move following President Trump’s executive order against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the Air Force has removed a video about the Tuskegee Airmen from its basic training curriculum. The video, which highlighted the achievements of these pioneering African American pilots during World War II, was seen as a crucial part of Air Force history and culture.

Need-to-Know and Takeaways

  • President Trump’s executive order aims to dismantle federal DEI programs, impacting various government institutions, including the military.
  • The Air Force has responded by removing DEI-related content from its curriculum, including the Tuskegee Airmen video and others highlighting women’s contributions.
  • This decision has sparked outrage among many, including veterans, politicians, and advocacy groups, who see it as an erasure of important history and a betrayal of American values.

FILE – Tuskegee Airmen, from left, Audley Coulthurst of New York, William Johnson of Glen Cove, N.Y., Wilfred R. DeFour of New York, and Herbert C. Thorpe of Rome, N.Y., are honored by members of the New York Assembly upon their 75th Anniversary of the 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps during a recognition ceremony in the Assembly Chamber at the state Capitol, June 16, 2016, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)

Impact on American Culture and Society

The removal of the Tuskegee Airmen video and other DEI-related content from the Air Force curriculum raises concerns about the preservation of American history and the recognition of diverse contributions to society. The Tuskegee Airmen’s story is one of overcoming racial segregation and prejudice to serve their country with distinction, a narrative that resonates with the American ideals of equality and opportunity. Erasing their story from the curriculum sends a message that these values are no longer a priority.

Moreover, this decision could have a chilling effect on DEI efforts in other institutions, potentially leading to a broader rollback of progress in promoting diversity and inclusion across American society.

Lessons Still to Learn

The controversy surrounding the removal of the Tuskegee Airmen video underscores the importance of ongoing education and dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion. While there may be differing views on how to best achieve these goals, it is crucial to remember that America’s strength lies in its diversity. The Tuskegee Airmen’s story, and the stories of countless others who have overcome adversity to contribute to American society, should be celebrated and remembered, not erased.

As a nation, we must continue to learn from our past, both the triumphs and the failures, to create a more just and equitable future for all.

UPDATE:

Air Force Reverses Decision to Remove Tuskegee Airmen Video Amidst DEI Backlash

The U.S. Air Force has reversed its decision to remove a video about the Tuskegee Airmen from its curriculum. The video was initially removed due to a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by the Trump administration.

Key Points:

  • The Air Force’s decision to remove the video was met with backlash from both sides of the political spectrum.
  • The Tuskegee Airmen are a group of Black pilots who served with distinction during World War II.
  • The Air Force’s initial decision to remove the video was seen as disrespectful to the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy.
  • The Air Force’s reversal of its decision is a victory for those who believe that the Tuskegee Airmen’s story should be taught to all service members.

Takeaways:

  • The Tuskegee Airmen’s story is an important part of American history.
  • The Air Force’s initial decision to remove the video was a mistake.
  • The Air Force’s reversal of its decision is a welcome development.

Additional Thoughts:

The Tuskegee Airmen’s story is one of courage, determination, and patriotism. These men overcame discrimination and prejudice to serve their country with honor. Their story is an inspiration to all Americans, and it should be taught to all service members.

Spotlight:

Herbert C. Thorpe was one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen. His journey to become one of the few Tuskegee Airmen started in 1939, after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as part of his New Deal economic initiative, opened the Civilian Pilot Training Program to African Americans.  Listen to his story HERE.