On this day 77 years ago, the Tuskegee Airmen, an elite African-American Army unit, was activated – the first to consist of black pilots. For years they trained but were not deployed. In 1943, when Black leaders demanded equality–and World War II demanded more skilled soldiers–the Tuskegee Airmen, or “Red-Tail Angels,” were sent to Europe and proved their mettle as accomplished pilots. WATCH an inspiring clip. (1941)
The name also applies to the navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, cooks and other support personnel for the top-notch pilots. (See Books, DVDs and Memorabilia on Amazon)
MORE Good News on this Date:
- The Supreme Court upheld the eight-hour work day for railroads (1917)
- Bob Dylan’s debut album was released – Bob Dylan (1962)
- India and Bangladesh signed a friendship treaty (1972)
- Crowds cheered as the leaders of West and East Germany met for the first time since the country was divided – Willy Brandt and Willi Stoph (1970)
- US House of Representatives began daily broadcasts via C-SPAN (1979)
- The first free elections in 50 years lifted Latvia‘s political opposition (1990)
- 50 Cent became the first solo artist to have three singles in the US Top 5 chart. ‘Candy Shop’ was at No.1, ‘How We Do’ by The Game, (a member of his G-Unit group) at No.4, and ‘Disco Inferno’ at No.5. (2005)
- The World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace convened for the second time…
