The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II will be remembered when the LAX Flight Path Museum presents the first program of its 2007 Speaker Series on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. Roger “Bill” Terry, one of the original African-American fighter pilots and past president of their national organization, will speak. The public is invited to the program — part of Flight Path’s salute to Black Heritage Month.
Terry will speak of the exploits of his fellow airmen, as well as his own key role in a historic non-violent protest that helped pave the way for desegregation of all U.S. military forces, according to Flight Path President Rowena Ake.
The history of the Airmen began early in World War II when the Army Air Corps was persuaded to open pilot training to African- Americans. The first black men enlisted and trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field and nearby Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Museum visitors also can view Flight Path’s collection of military aircraft models, including many related to World War II. Flight Path is located at 6661 W. Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, and is open from 10 a.m. — 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, except major holidays. Admission and parking are free. For information, call (310) 215-5291 or visit www.flightpath.us.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 2, 2007. Read the original PDF.