Tuskegee Airmen Community Recognition Day at
The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

        

On May 3, 2006, The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center opened its doors to the community for a spectacular event honoring America's first black fighter pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen. More than 200 people including students from Walker Elementary, Dillard, Stranahan and Boyd Anderson High Schools witnessed as 14 of the original airmen receive a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale proclaiming May 3 as the Tuskegee Airmen Community Recognition Day.

During World War II, the Airmen flew more than 15,000 missions without ever losing a bomber. More than 450 Tuskegee airmen served in combat, with 78 killed overseas, and 32 captured as prisoners of war. The military estimates that approximately 200 of the original airmen are alive today. Winning admiration and respect, the pioneering airmen contributed to the integration of armed forces, and proved wrong those that believed black men couldn't fly planes.

"I haven't got much more time to thank these guys," said Alfred Webber, an 85-year-old veteran who was among those that paid tribute to the pilots. "I'm appreciative of these guys who went through all this stuff. I'd rather have them fly cover for me than anybody else. I just wanted to show my appreciation for them," Webber concluded.

World-renowned sculptor George Gadson unveiled his latest piece depicting the Tuskegee Airmen, which was later donated to the library's Special Collections Department. Also on display was The Tuskegee Airmen flight exhibit, which included original flight artifacts and photos.

Prior to the event, the Broward County Commission honored the Tuskegee Airmen during a public meeting. Mayor Ben Graber presented Lt. Colonel Leo Roger Gray with the Mayor's Award and a proclamation by Vice - Mayor Josephus Eggletion. Recently, Congress unanimously passed a bill in the U.S. House recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honored bestowed upon the House of Representatives. 

The Tuskegee Airmen Community Recognition Day was sponsored by Broward County Libraries Division, Broward County Mass Transit, McDonald's, Maxwell House, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.