Smithsonian Event: Wings of Change: The Tuskegee Airmen and the Fight for Equality

During World War II, a group of determined young African American men took to the skies in defiance of the racial barriers that sought to ground them. Known as the Tuskegee Airmen, these pioneering pilots and crew members trained in a segregated program in Alabama and went on to fly more than 1,578 sorties across Europe and North Africa, earning distinction for their skill and courage. Aviation expert Jerry Burton , a past president of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., explores their extraordinary military achievements and the larger story of segregation, activism, and fight for equality that shaped their experience. Through the lens of individual lives and historic milestones, discover how the Tuskegee Airmen challenged long-held prejudices and played a pivotal role in the eventual integration of the U.S. Armed forces. Their legacy endures as a powerful chapter in both American military history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The lecture begins with an introduction from Jeremy R. Kinney , associate director of research, collections, and curatorial affairs at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Enjoy a Taste of the Times with foods from the WWII era and the recipes served at the Tuskegee Institute during this event.