We dared not fail.

Lt. Col. Charles "A-Train" Dryden

 

Traveling Exhibition—KSU Explores Black History During World War II

"The Tuskegee Airmen" explores the history and heroism of the first African American pilots to fly in combat during World War II. Between 1941 and 1946, what became known as the “Tuskegee experiment” trained more than 1,000 pilots. Although required to train and fight in segregated units, the Tuskegee Airmen proved to be some of the most skilled aviators during the war.

The undeniable courage and skill of these brave pilots contributed to the desegregation of the United States Armed Forces in 1948. This exhibit offers a look into the historical challenges and triumphs of these unsung American heroes.

Exhibit Supplements

Based on our most widely-viewed traveling exhibition, this lesson plan studies African American pilots and Civil Rights pioneers who flew in World War II combat missions for their country amidst racism and Jim Crow segregation at home. 

GRADE 5-12

Download, print, and distribute this self-guide to allow your students to explore and think critically about the exhibit at their own pace. Students may also work through the self guide in pairs.

GRADE 5 GRADE 6-8

Audio Guide