This post contains an excerpt from “Fighting on Two Fronts: A Condensed History of the Tuskegee Airmen,” a StoryMap project created by Wright Museum intern Noah Eckert during the winter of 2022.
When the world erupted into World War II, aircraft had become far more vital in combat. Planes were faster and deadlier than ever before. The pilots who flew them had to be well trained with quick reflexes and good instincts.
What separated the Tuskegee Airmen from other pilots, was that not only did they have to face the challenges of flying aircraft, but as the first African-American pilots, they faced discrimination, segregation, and racial stereotypes that caused many Americans to hold them in contempt, and continuously try to hold them back in the military.
Incredibly, through all the challenges and hatred, these black pilots, engineers, technicians, and mechanics fought their way through the discrimination and racism. Through sheer skill and force of will, they were able to fight for equality and prevail.
Click here to view the full version of “Fighting on Two Fronts” online.
