The traveling aviation history exhibit “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight” – organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum – will land at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center for three months starting Feb. 4.
The exhibition examines the contributions of some of the African-American aviators who helped make the dream of careers in flight and space exploration possible.
Developed by Smithsonian curator Von Hardesty, the exhibition traces the history of African Americans in flight through a collection of historical and contemporary photographs, first-hand interviews, and stories of triumph and tragedy.
Divided into six sections, “Black Wings” is made possible by the support of the MetLife Foundation and offers an overview of Black aviators from the barnstormers of the 1920s to the astronauts of the 21st century.
Two individuals highlighted in this exhibition are Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to obtain a pilot’s license, and William Powell, who promoted aviation in the African-American community.
Another section of “Black Wings” is devoted to the Tuskegee Airmen. This section has special meaning to the Watkins Center because the center’s namesake, Bruce R. Watkins, was himself a Tuskegee Airman. At the time the Tuskegee Airmen served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the military was segregated and no African American had ever served as a military pilot.
In 1940, under pressure from civil rights leaders, the Army Air Corps created the first all-Black flying unit, the 99th Pursuit Squadron. The men who trained and fought in the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
The Watkins Center Presents:
“Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight”
Feb. 4 thru May 3
Hours: Tue. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open to the Public: Free
For more info, call 816-513-0700