After assuming office, one of President Trumps first actions was signing an executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. The executive order is titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. In the executive order, fact sheet provided by the White House it says “President Trump promised to terminate DEI in the federal government, protect equal opportunity, and force schools to end discriminatory admissions policies, and he delivered. Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work, individual initiative, and competence can take them. In America, excellence, grit, and determination is our strength.”
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of Black military pilots who fought in World War II, they were a part of an experimental program created to train Black men to be pilots at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Tuskegee Alabama. The experimental program was in response to pressure from those who fought against racial segregation in the military. Almost 1,000 pilots were trained and about 450 of them served in combat roles during World War II. During their time in combat, they were nicknamed “Red Tails”, their planes were painted with distinctive red markings on the tails.
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, demanding integration of the military this was partly influenced by the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. Due to President Trump’s DEI order, the United States Air Force was forced to immediately review the teaching material on World War II and the significance of Black and female pilots. The United States Air Force has said they will continue teaching about the Tuskegee Airmen, Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson said in a statement that “The revised training which focuses on the documented historic legacy and decorated valour with which these units and airmen fought for our nation in World War II and beyond will continue on 27 January.”
With the order was immediately reversed. Robinson also said in his statement, “Their personal examples of service, sacrifice and combat effectiveness are illustrative of the core values, character and warrior ethos necessary to be an Airman and Guardian.” The history of Tuskegee Airmen is not just necessary for Black history, but for American and military history as well. Their sacrifice and commitment should never go unnoticed or be erased from history.
[Photo: flickr]
