Tuskegee in Philadelphia: Rising to the Challenge (American Heritage)

During World War II, Philadelphia residents answered the call to service, including airmen and women trained through the Tuskegee program. Though trained in Alabama, the unit included dozens of natives from the Philadelphia area—the second-largest contingent in the country after Chicago. These African American service members worked as fighter pilots, bombers, nurses, mechanics, and in various support roles. They faced racism and sexism on the homefront while serving with distinction. After the war ended, their struggle for equality continued. Tuskegee alumni from Philadelphia went on to work toward civil rights and serve their local community. Robert Kodosky documents the challenges and achievements of Philadelphia's Tuskegee airmen and women.