African-Americans in the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Persephonie May
The Air force was originated in 1947 and has been going on ever since. Congratulations on sixty years of service to our country and the world. The air force has fought in countless wars to help fight for Americans. The United States air force played an important part in World War I and World War II, which helped defend the United States from invasions from other countries. 

On September 11, 2001 the air force was in the air ready if another plane was to come. The air force not only had a heritage of being a part of combat to defend freedoms but also took a part of several humanitarian efforts. They provided some Tsunami relief on December 28, 2004. Also, whenever a disaster happens the air force is able to fly whenever some food, water, clothes, and other supplies. 

Even at the earliest beginning of the air force African-Americans have been serving the countries freedom. Starting in 1939, a small group of African-Americans formed a small air group. In 1941, the Tuskegee Airmen were formed with Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. This was six years before the formation of the United States Air Force. The African-American Airmen had limited freedoms because even though they served in the air force, they did not have certain civil rights, due to segregation. 

The air force allowed African-Americans to serve because there was not enough Caucasian men enlisted. There were experienced African-American air men who could not serve because of the segregation law. The air force was the first military branch to end segregation and allow African-Americans to serve. 

Currently many African-Americans are enlisting in the air force after high school graduation. The air force offers them the opportunity for job training and education. African Americans comprise twelve percent of the United States population. We make up sixteen percent of the air force. I am very thankful that we have an air force to protect us and help others with humanitarian efforts. Thank you USAF, and again congratulations on sixty years!