Historic Fort Wayne is actually an 18th century military fortress. It is located on Fort and Livernois Streets. The fort lies right beside the Detroit River. The National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen is housed within this facility. The museum salutes Blacks who were in the United States Air Force during World War II. Located in the museum are authentic uni- forms and commemorative photographs of the service airmen. Retired Tuskegee Airmen are available to lecture and share the history of the hectic but heroic events during the war. Many Detroiters were a part of the Tuskegee Airmen. Most notably was Coleman A. Young, former Mayor of the City of Detroit. He was a Second Lieutenant and the first Black Bombardier with the 477th Bomb Group. In addition, he was one of the "Famous 101" Officers arrested for desegregating the Officers Club at Freeman Field, Indiana in 1945. An excellent HBO theatrically produced movie about the Tuskegee Airmen is available. Additionally, a presentation about the Michigan First Colored Regiment is available. They fought during the American Civil War. |
