Summary
Faced with a racist system that tried to keep them down, the Tuskegee Airmen still aimed high. The first Black military pilots were true American heroes, battling Nazis abroad and discrimination back home. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, African Americans lined up along with millions of their countrymen to fight for the U.S. in World War II. So entrenched was racism in America that these patriots had to persuade the government to let them enlist. The 99th Fighter Squadron became the first African-American unit in the Air Corps. The aviators, known as Red Tails for the P-51 planes they flew, gained renown as the best bomber escorts around, outfoxing German jets and loyally defending their charges. Their success had an impact on the home front, too, as the Civil Rights Movement gathered momentum. The armed services were integrated shortly after World War II. The military has since opened its doors to other marginalized groups, including LGBT Americans with a desire to serve their country. Fasten your seat belts for the ride of your life: the story of these barrier-breaking pilots!
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Tuskegee Airmen:
- What is one new thing you learned about tuskegee airmen?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining tuskegee airmen.
- Draw or give one example of your own.