The Tuskegee Airmen
In 1940 a "White's Only" sign not only kept Blacks out of rest rooms and restaurants it also applied to cockpits of America's military aircraft. But under intense social and political pressure the Army established experimental aviation training units for Blacks at Tuskegee, Alabama. The Army wanted to put to rest at last the question of Blacks' ability to operate sophisticated equipment, fight courageously in battle, or assume positions of authority. The goal of these aviators then was to prove that black men could fly and fight as well as any other American. But their first battle was to fight for the most basic human rights of dignity and respect. As the leader of the Tuskegee Airmen, Col. Benjamin O Davis, Jr. said " With the enemy I knew that I only had to die once. In the Army Air Corps and in life I had to live with the day to day suffering of degradation and racism." Nearly 1000 Black pilots received segregated training at Tuskegee, Alabama while over 10,000 Black maintenance personnel trained under similar conditions at Chanute field in Illinois. Over 550 pilots and their crews trained as bombers but the war ended before they were deployed overseas. The remaining 445 fighter pilot airmen and their crews operated as segregated combat units in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa flying in raids such as Anzio Beach and the Ploesti Oilfields. With their aircraft tails painted bright red to identify themselves the "Red Tails" carried the hopes and dreams of their thirteen million African American countrymen into battle.

The Red Tail Project
Red Tail Project Mission Statement: Identify and preserve the history of the Tuskegee Airmen through an aviation education program, and restore a symbol which will represent the contributions of African Americans who served our country during WWII and serve as an inspiration for the youth of today.

Education Program
The projects education goal is to provide an opportunity for the public to meet the Tuskegee Airmen and hear their stories. The air show venue provides a unique opportunity to present to the public not only the sight and sounds of this historic aircraft but more importantly to meet the people who actually flew the aircraft, hear their stories first hand, and learn this untold history. These are stories from, and about, heroes that parents want their children to hear and be aware of; stories of courage, patriotism, and perseverance.

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The Education Program was designed by the Project’s Educational Advisory Board consisting of professional and technical educators, aviation industry and government representatives, teachers and aviation businessmen.

The vision of the Education board is: Create an educational environment of pride where every youth is inspired to grow. Use role models to show students potential aviation career paths where they find their own success. Help students recognize and develop their personal leadership abilities. Our goal is to inspire youth. As Tuskegee Airmen General Daniel "Chappie" James said to America's young: "You be prepared with your bags of knowledge, your patriotism, your honor, and when the door of opportunity opens, you charge in.

The 16 Page booklet " Tuskegee Airmen - Heroes Changing Aviation History"

The program utilizes:

• A 16 page booklet titled Heroes Changing Aviation and History
  (donation amount $5)
• The five posters seen throughout the text above. Each poster is 12" x 19" in size.
  (donation amount $50)
  Educators inquire about special offer on posters
  at 877.522.2988 or email us at info@redtail.org.
• Information on post secondary aviation education options
  

The posters very dynamically illustrate the obstacles of racism and prejudice the Tuskegee Airmen had to overcome. The news supplement gives a historical perspective of all the events surrounding the Tuskegee Airmen story, and follows up with an aviation career information and resources section. The posters and the supplement are accompanied with a teacher’s guide and student activities making them a complete and easily followed lesson plan. The supplement is designed to allow for showcasing local Tuskegee Airmen which enhances and personalizes the program to fit the community. The posters and supplement are available in any quantity. (The Teacher’s Guide meets graduation standards)
The "Museum Without Walls"

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Although the Tuskegee Airmen flew many types of aircraft the North American P51C Mustang is considered their signature aircraft. The Red Tail Project are restoring one of only two flying "C" models in existence. This Mustang, serial # 42-64129, has been restored by the project as a symbol that recognizes the Tuskegee Airmen contributions to our nations freedom. The aircraft will be a "museum without walls" as it tours the country celebrating this rich history.

The Tuskegee Airmen and their crews became accomplished pilots and technicians against great odds. Following the war they had to again overcome many of the same adversities to reach their personal goals. The Tuskegee Airmen have forged a path of success and in doing so have become excellent role models. They have expressed similar goals time and again in the years since the war: encourage youth to follow their example in achieving their dreams. The Red Tail Project was founded to assist in reaching that goal.

To inquire further about these materials, or to obtain them, please contact:
LaVone Weer
e-mail: lavone@voilamediagroup.com