Figures Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Establish Tuskegee Airmen Memorial in Washington, DC

"The Tuskegee Airmen are among the most heroic and consequential soldiers that our nation has ever had," said Congressman Figures. "While facing horrific discrimination at home, these men risked their lives to defend rights and freedoms abroad. Their courage, skill, and unwavering dedication not only contributed to the Allied victory but also helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military. Their contributions to our country deserve to be memorialized in our nation's capital, and I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to make that a reality."

"The introduction of this authorizing legislation in Congress is a vital milestone in our ongoing mission to preserve and honor the legacy of our nation's pioneering heroes," said Ms. Angela Holmes, 1st Vice President for Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Shomari Figures and our congressional partners for championing this effort. As we see the final generation of our original members passing, establishing a permanent landmark in Washington, D.C., ensures that their monumental contributions to military integration, excellence, and civil rights will never be forgotten by future generations."

Congressman Figures' bill would authorize Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated to establish a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia. This is a key, necessary first step towards making this well-deserved memorial a reality. Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated is a national nonprofit founded to preserve the history and achievements of the original Tuskegee Airmen and engage with youth to inspire future careers in aviation, aerospace and STEM.

The memorial will serve as an educational resource, designed to teach future generations about one of the greatest, most well-decorated fighting forces in our nation's history, and to highlight the important roles that Black military pilots and support personnel played in World War II.

This bill is cosponsored by the entire Alabama House Congressional Delegation, Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13).

Click here to read the bill.

Click here to read the one-pager.