All About Us Find Your Interest Search our Degree Programs Need Advising?  Alabama -- Tuskegee University partnered with Florida A&M University last year to study the potential environmental impacts of preharvest sugarcane burning on air quality in the Florida Everglades.  The tests were conducted in several communities within this area with special effort made to ensure that representation of communities evaluated were comprehensive from April to September of last year.  Results of the study showed the overall air quality remained within established acceptable limits and were comparable to some of the best air quality observed within the state Tuskegee University and  Florida A&M University will outline the results in detail during a community meeting on Tuesday, April 29, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Will Museum in Belle Glade, Florida. The goal of the study was to understand the ecological effects by monitoring the air quality in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) of south Florida identifying exactly what’s in the air and engaging with local community members to better understand the impacts on the residents as well as agricultural industry in the Glades “Tuskegee University and Florida A&M University closely monitored the air quality in the Everglades and assessed the pros and cons of preharvest burning specifically in regard to the regional economic and environmental impacts on the citizens of Palm Beach and Hendry Counties,” said Dr Tuskegee’s Dean of the College of Agriculture “We paid special attention to ensure that members of all of the communities in the region were represented and visited sugarcane production sites associated with U.S yet it has drawn criticism in that it generates a complex mixture of particulates Florida’s preharvest sugarcane burning is carefully controlled through extensive permits and weather-based restrictions making it one of the most regulated agricultural practices in the country; however some have raised concerns regarding air quality and its potential impacts “Preharvest burning is a traditional harvesting method used in manual and mechanical harvesting in different regions because it improves soil health and a reduction in the weight of the harvested crop leading to lower transport costs,” said Dr “Because less soil and debris are being transported to the factory There are also reductions in fuel consumption because less material is transported to the factory and less water is needed for washing the crop before milling.” Preharvest burning also lowers soil compaction and helps maintain an optimum bulk density as well as lessening the impact on root growth of the crop as well as significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of transportation that is more crop per load with fewer trips “Our objective was to conduct research that addressed environmental concerns especially those associated with air quality ”Preharvest burning in the sugarcane industry requires an intricate balance where agribusiness not only supports the local economy but also fosters an environment that must be thoughtfully managed by not only the industry but also government (local state and federal) with the involvement of community members.” we are committed to placing the community first by grounding our engagement in rigorous Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and Director of Land Grant Programs at Florida A&M University “Through our collaboration with Tuskegee University we actively contributed to the analysis and interpretation of air quality data in the Everglades Agricultural Area We are proud to advance research that empowers local communities and promotes sustainable growth across the region.” Tuskegee President and CEO was pleased with the university’s work in this area “I’m proud of how our CAENS Team is invited to participate in studies around the world including this important study of the environmental impact of burning sugarcane in South  Florida,” he said the sugar cane industry produces up to 19,201 jobs and $4.7 billion in the state of Florida Tuskegee finds itself deeply involved in using the latest in scientific techniques to solve the nation’s most complex problems!” The Official Website for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs Game Recap: Baseball | 4/22/2025 5:50:00 PM | Brian Howard Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website Share sensitive information only on official The panel was convened by the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs following publication of news articles about the study sweeping changes to standard research practices were made Efforts to promote the highest ethical standards in research are ongoing today Tuskegee community members were aware of the study but thought it was a special government health care program1 According to the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs' Ad Hoc Advisory Panel's published report "...the Macon County Health Department and Tuskegee Institute were cognizant of the study." The National Archives, Southeastern Region, maintains a list of Tuskegee patient medical files The National Archives maintains photos related to the study The study was limited to Black men 25 years of age or older some women contracted syphilis from men who participated in the study’s syphilitic group Family members and public health officials share their memories and reflections of the United States Public Health Service Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male at Tuskegee and Macon County No. According to a journal article about the study the 399 men in the syphilitic group were initially recruited because they already had late-latent syphilis The 201 men in the control group did not have the disease There is no evidence that researchers obtained informed consent from participants the participants were not offered available treatments even after penicillin became widely available You can learn more about changes made to standard research practices after Tuskegee in Research Implications The $10-million settlement was divided into four categories: 2022.Watch our recorded session and related videos below This event acknowledged the 50th anniversary of the end of the United States Public Health Service Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male at Tuskegee and Macon County The intention was to create a space for authentic It was also meant to encourage discussion regarding current and future opportunities for public health leaders to move from trust to trustworthiness and CDC's on-going role in addressing health equity Participants included experts in the fields of public health United States Public Health Service Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male at Tuskegee and Macon County, Alabama, 1932 -1972Download now Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Communication Science and Services Public Health Service and Regional Associate Director Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine PhDUniversity Professor of Medical Humanities and American Studies at the George Washington University Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center Robert Benjamin JohnsonFormer Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Office of Public Liaison JDRegents' Professor and Bobby Lee Cook Professor of Law MPADeputy Director of Management and Overseas Operations PhDAuthor; Marion Butler McLean Professor Emerita in the History of Ideas and Professor Emerita in Women's and Gender Studies University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Satcher Health Leadership Institute; Former Director MDivProfessor/Director of the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care at Tuskegee University The Untreated Syphilis Study at Tuskegee was conducted between 1932 and 1972 to observe the natural history of untreated syphilis An official website of the United States government Our hospital provides primary care and specialty health services and the other health services we offer at our Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Tuskegee Select a service on this page to check the hours Wheelchair availability:  Wheelchairs available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building We work with Disabled American Veterans and county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to get to scheduled medical appointments Many localities in the region provide other van services to Veterans Learn more about DAV and the other van services available in your county Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits Our Audiology and Speech Pathology clinic provides diagnostic and rehabilitative services and screening for employee hearing conservation We offer a full range of audiology and speech pathology services like: Learn more about VA hearing aids Your VA health care team will contact you if you’re eligible to get a vaccine during this time we'll work with our care teams to let Veterans know their options Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at VA We perform noninvasive and minimally invasive tests and procedures that check We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and treat you with the most effective medications We provide care for many medical and surgical skin conditions We diagnose and treat medical conditions in your esophagus Our gastroenterology department provides services like: Our gynecologists focus on the female reproductive system and provide services that include: We offer a range of hematology and oncology services You can arrange appointments and consultation through your primary care provider Our hematology and oncology services include: Our medical center and clinics provide consultation and treatment for a range of issues that may impact your mental health or emotional well-being Our confidential outpatient services include individual and group therapy for: Learn more and connect with a care coordinator Our team of kidney doctors (nephrologists) actively manage all aspects of adult kidney disease renal hypertension (high blood pressure caused by kidney disease) We provide inpatient and outpatient services Our optometrists provide many eye-related services and treatments like: Our patient advocates work hard to make sure you receive the best possible care at our health care facilities Learn more and connect with a patient advocate Our podiatry specialists evaluate and treat a wide range of injuries diseases and disorders that affect your feet and ankles—from ingrown toenails to inflammation to diabetic foot ulcers many Veterans experience trouble with their feet and ankles We can help treat those problems so you can continue to enjoy an active lifestyle Our pulmonary medicine team treats diseases and conditions that affect the lungs and breathing acute respiratory distress syndrome and sleep apnea If you find it difficult to breathe or sleep The radiation oncology service works with your health care team to target cancer safely and precisely using radiation therapy Radiation oncologists specialize in using high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells and either destroy tumors or control their growth Our doctors sometimes use radiation therapy in combination with surgery The radiation therapy you receive will depend on cancer type we make sure that your procedure and follow-up care are safe and high-quality We provide a wide range of surgical services and treat a wide range of urology diseases and conditions that include kidney stones and minimally invasive procedures for health issues that affect: Tuskegee University has completed installation of badge-activated automated entry arms at three university gates and other security adjustments.  This means that visitors are welcome and can achieve access through the visitor’s request form found on the university’s home page Lincoln Gate and the Franklin Road Gate will be open with specific badge assignments for entry.  Despite the badge access all campus registered vehicles must display the new university tags introduced last fall to enter campus All traffic will be able to use any gate for exiting Visitors are still required to access the visitor’s center for a temporary pass and then enter campus through the Lincoln gate. They can complete the online form in advance to save time “I promised in November that this campus would provide the safety and security our students and parents expect,” said Dr “Controlling entry access to the campus is just one step in our full plan.” Badge access installation is being expanded to include all buildings on campus based on the assigned role for staff or residence hall for students The recently renovated Olivia Davidson Hall has card-key access and cameras on each door Lewis Adams Hall is also card-key access with cameras installed which will allow remote monitoring as well This is the standard now being applied to all living areas.  Students have also seen improved lighting on campus While temporary lights were placed on campus the university has partnered with Alabama Power to assist in improving the existing service grid and energy upgrades to light areas that had been dark you are able to see lights on the baseball field the tennis courts and larger dark areas on campus,” said Dr “We will continue to work with our vendors and Alabama Power to provide additional permanent lighting throughout the campus.” Additional projects are underway with completion dates set for later this spring.  This is #theTuskegeeWay Thanks for visiting The win also finished the track season with the Golden Tigers taking both the indoor and outdoor track championships for the first time in school and conference history For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Athletics, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  Tuskegee University is proud to announce that Joshua D Phillips has been named the university’s new chief of police Chief Phillips has served as chief of police for the Cherokee Police Department in Alabama for the last five years where he successfully led crime reduction initiatives enhanced officer training programs and strengthened community relationships “Tuskegee University has made a number of safety and security enhancements and I am confident Chief Phillips can lead us through our plans to complete those efforts,” said Dr “His experience will be essential in student engagement and partnering with local law enforcement agencies in the area I am especially grateful for his deep experience in Community Engagement which is exactly what we want for our University community.” Chief Phillips holds a Master’s of Science in Administration of Justice and Security with a concentration in Law Enforcement Organizations from the University of Phoenix He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Alabama “I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment,” said Chief Phillips ”I look forward to working closely with students faculty and staff to enhance safety measures and maintain the university’s strong legacy of excellence I believe in implementing proactive policing strategies that build trust between law enforcement and the Tuskegee University community.” Chief Phillips is a member of the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police the International Association of Chiefs of Police the Colbert County Emergency Response and Recovery Board and the Colbert County Drug Task Force Board He has a number of professional certifications His law enforcement career has also included roles as police officer at University of North Alabama police sergeant at Leighton Police Department and deputy sergeant at Colbert County Sheriff’s Department.  Tuskegee University is adjusting schedules to allow virtual learning on Wednesday and Thursday because of the winter weather moving through the area.  Students and faculty should follow their normal semester schedule virtually both days Staff will also shift to virtual operations and essential workers – safety facilities and food service – will be on campus providing essential services during that period.  The ongoing snow and low temperatures have created a treacherous situation on the roads Macon County and Lee County have closed roads because of the snow and ice.  TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University Athletic Department has released the Golden Tigers’ 2025 football schedule. The slate includes eight Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchups and three non-conference games “We are looking forward to another exciting year for Tuskegee football,” said Tuskegee Athletic Director “Our fans have always been a huge part of our success and we’re thrilled to host four home games in 2025 This is a great schedule that gives us the opportunity to face off against some top-level competition both within the SIAC and non-conference The Golden Tigers will open the season for the fifth consecutive year at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery in the Red Tails Classic on Sunday This year the non-conference showdown is against Winston-Salem State in the opener Tuskegee will then host their home opener on Sept against Central State at Cleve Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium This game will mark the Golden Tigers’ first home contest of the season as they look to establish a strong record in front of their fans This will be their first matchup between schools since the teams met in the 5th Quarter Classic in Mobile in 2017 The Golden Tigers will then travel to Columbia to take on Benedict in another crucial SIAC game This road test will be the first meeting with Benedict since the 2022 SIAC title game and will be key for Tuskegee as they continue their SIAC slate the Golden Tigers will return home on Sept The Golden Tigers will look to defend their home turf once more against a tough opponent in this important conference contest Tuskegee will battle in the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic facing Morehouse in what is an historic and always highly anticipated matchup This neutral-site game will showcase the fierce rivalry between the two programs Tuskegee will travel for a matchup with the Albany State Rams The matchup will revive another conference series that has not been played since 2019 The next two games are both inside Abbott Memorial Stadium the Golden Tigers will host their annual Homecoming game on November 1 In the final conference game of the season 8 to face in-state rival Miles in a pivotal conference showdown “Our goal is to contend for the SIAC Championship and continue the legacy of excellence that Tuskegee football is known for,” said Head Coach Aaron James The Golden Tigers will conclude their regular season on Thursday as they battle Alabama State in the annual Turkey Day Classic in Montgomery “I’m looking forward to what AD Ruffin and Coach James are doing Our student athletes are powerhouses on and off the field and this will help position the university for a stellar season Kickoff times for all games will be announced at a later date Tuskegee fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates and to support the Golden Tigers throughout the 2025 season Contact:  Thonnia Lee faculty and staff this week during Town Hall sessions to allow each group to express their concerns after the tragedy this weekend.  He was intently focused on the safety concerns and the need for continued mental health support.  classes will be canceled for the remainder of the week to give students an extended period of healing They are reminded to take advantage of the mental health services available either in person or virtually to help them process this experience Students have access to counselors 24/7 by calling 855-850-4301 and should use that service as needed or contact Student Health.  Faculty and staff, who are also asked to be mindful of their mental health needs, are asked to return to campus on Wednesday. Employee insurance includes an employee assistance program (EAP) through ComPsych.  The administration is coordinating additional security procedures and the process and method for completing instruction for the remainder of the semester.  Additional updates will be provided as soon as they are available All cars/vehicles that are part of the investigation must remain there and are subject to search as part of the ongoing law enforcement investigation The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has made an arrest in the Tuskegee University campus shooting that occurred early Sunday Tuskegee University is working with ALEA as they continue the investigation In support of the investigation and to provide space for mental health days the university will close Monday and Tuesday for students Only essential employees – such as food services campus police and the Facilities team – are required to be on campus Monday and Tuesday the university will provide in-person and virtual grief counselors The university will also coordinate Town Halls with President Mark A Brown for students and another for faculty and staff The details will be shared in a follow-up note this morning Students have access to counselors 24/7 by calling 855-850-4301 and should use that service as needed or contact Student Health. Employee insurance includes an employee assistance program (EAP) through ComPsych only the Lincoln gate will be open for vehicle or foot traffic Everyone will be required to show a university ID to gain access to campus Expect delays at the main entrance as IDs are required for entry faculty and staff wear their IDs at all times while on campus the team will be in the Public Safety building across from the main gate to provide one While law enforcement officers continue their investigation the Macon County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to share it anonymously through their hotline: 334-215-7067 keep your classmates in mind as some work to heal physically and mentally from this event The university experienced an exceptional Homecoming weekend Asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness Standing strong together is also the Tuskegee Way Tuskegee University is working with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency as it continues to investigate the shooting on campus early Sunday All classes will be canceled on Monday to ensure the officers and their law enforcement partners are able to continue the investigation as easily as possible The administration joins the students in mourning the event after such a joyous weekend and will provide grief counselors on Monday in the chapel for students who would like to come together to discuss what has happened Students should not hesitate to reach out for help through the Student Health Center if they chose to do so privately Tuskegee University students are now allowed to resume activities on campus but are asked to avoid the West Commons area as university officials work with Alabama law enforcement who are investigating the overnight incident.  The university will provide counselors for students and asks that if students have information about the overnight shooting to report that to campus police Additional updates will be provided as available.  Tuskegee University confirms that a shooting occurred on campus early Sunday morning resulting in the death of a non-university individual The parents of this individual have been notified Several others including Tuskegee University students were injured and are receiving treatment at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery along with campus and local law enforcement The Alabama Bureau of Investigations is conducting an active investigation The university is in the process of completing student accountability and notifying parents Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available Fleming as the new Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Affairs He joins Tuskegee from the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill where he was a Senior Director of Development at the Kenan-Flagler Business School He has also held similar positions at Albany State University the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in Washington and South Carolina State University in Orangeburg and technology is going to transform how we attract donors and process and manage gifts  I’m especially excited about his plans to further service our many dedicated alumni Fleming earned his bachelor’s in Political Science from Elizabeth City State University his master’s in Educational Management from Strayer University and his doctorate in education from National University “I am honored to join Tuskegee University as Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Affairs,” said Dr “I look forward to engaging our dedicated alumni and advancing the mission of this storied institution.” Fleming will report to the president and lead the team of fundraisers gift processors and the Alumni Affairs team Tuskegee University crowned its 2025–2026 Miss and Mister Tuskegee University during the highly anticipated Royal Court Pageant held Thursday evening in the Chappie James Arena The event featured five outstanding student leaders vying for a place on the prestigious court — three women for Miss Tuskegee University and two men for Mister Tuskegee University Georgia was crowned Mister Tuskegee University most recently held the title of Mister Student Government Association during the 2024–2025 academic year Drawing inspiration from the classic film Coming to America “Coming to Royalty,” is about stepping into service and excellence Larkin is committed to amplifying the lives of his fellow students by cultivating purpose and uplifting the Tuskegee legacy through intentional leadership and student engagement a junior Elementary Education major from Auburn was officially named the 2025–2026 Miss Tuskegee University Hunt also served as Miss Student Government Association for the 2024–2025 academic year “Becoming the Masterpiece,” centers on helping students understand that their journey is both purposeful and defined by their unique legacy Hunt aims to cultivate unity among the student body and expand safe spaces where students can authentically express themselves she hopes to inspire the next generation of global change-makers Also joining the 2025–2026 Royal Court are: As has been the tradition of Mother Tuskegee The Royal Court represents the very best of Tuskegee University — student leaders who serve with integrity “We are proud of their commitment to carrying forward the values and legacy of this historic institution Tuskegee’s Royal Court plays an integral role in representing the university’s values and community outreach efforts throughout the academic year please contact the Office of Student Life and Development at studentlife@tuskegee.edu © 2025 Tuskegee Universitystudentlife@tuskegee.edu When Tuskegee University welcomes alumni and friends for the 107th Founders’ Day celebration later this week the guest speaker for the Convocation at 9:30 a.m but will also once again strengthen ties between Hampton University and Tuskegee Williams is president of Hampton and this year’s Convocation speaker Washington was trained and where its founder Gen Armstrong recommended Washington for the position that brought him to Tuskegee the universities are both run by former military generals who have returned to their alma maters after successful careers They share a common view of the importance of their respective HBCUs in transforming lives for the better  They continue to discuss ways to bring the universities together for events like this or athletic activities “I am delighted that President Williams accepted our invitation to join me for my first Founders’ Day as president and CEO,” said Dr “Hampton and Tuskegee are forever intertwined and I am excited to build on that legacy during my tenure.” “President Williams is a friend and we are members of the same fraternity but our shared passion is leading the universities that provided a foundation for excellence,” said Dr “The history of this university and what Darrell received at Hampton And it is our mission to provide that same foundation for a new generation of leaders.” Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hampton a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from the Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania; Master of Military Art and Science degree from the Army Combined and General Staff College Kansas; and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College a three-year Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) scholarship cadet a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Senior Class President 1982/83 academic school year He is a 1983 Distinguished Military Graduate of the Hampton Institute ROTC program Army Cadet Command Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the U.S Army Quartermaster Corps Halls of Fame and a 2020 recipient of the Army Lieutenant General Arthur J He also received the Journal of Black Innovation 2020 Fifty Most Important African Americans in Technology Award and the 2018 Hampton University Distinguished Alumni Award the renovated Olivia Davidson Hall was officially opened Friday during a ribbon cutting ceremony which included Turner Construction partners who managed the renovation The 146-bed residential hall is named after the second wife of the university’s first principal She was a beacon for female empowerment and education The $44 million project transforms traditional dormitory spaces into contemporary two-bed and four-bed suite-style units with new amenities such as card-key and key fob access surveillance cameras for added security of all entrances “It is a privilege to join you and the Tuskegee community for the ribbon cutting of the transformed Olivia Davidson Hall,” said Peter Davoren “This historic residence is now a modern community forward space and an exceptional environment for living and learning.” Davoren acknowledged Turner employee Thaddeus Smith who is a TU alum and member of the Athletic Hall of Fame for football “It’s a beautiful day and great to be in front of Olivia Davidson,” said Dr “It’s important to note that what we are really talking about is teamwork.” Brown acknowledged Tuskegee Mayor Tony Haygood Tuskegee Trustee Natalie Knight and others to highlight the coordinated effort for this and other campus enhancements “We put security first at Tuskegee and we will continue to do that,” he said “As we cut the ribbon and go through here room by room our parents will be happy and proud that their children are coming to a new What we’ve done to Olivia Davidson and to every place you will walk into with new campus security enhancements has my gratitude Students in Olivia Davidson Hall must use their IDs to enter the building and key fobs to enter their rooms This security measure will be installed in every other residence hall and office building on campus this year “We put security first at Tuskegee and we will continue to do that,” said Dr                                 Visitors and contractors are still welcome to campus even as we enhance security under the new closed campus concept faculty and staff are required to wear their ID at all times while on campus there are a few things to keep in mind to minimize inconvenience The ID office is now located in the Public Safety building across from the main gate you – along with visitors and contractors – will be turned around and asked to go to the Public Safety building everyone must present a physical card.  Original IDs are automatically deactivated when the replacement is printed The replacement is printed with your original photo If your ID is lost or stolen and later returned to the Office of Information Technology you will receive an email notifying you how you can retrieve it All lost IDs should be returned to the Public Safety building Visitors to campus will need to stop by the Public Safety building to receive a visitor’s pass between 6 a.m the guards at the main gate will be able to issue a visitor’s pass for that day The university is expecting more visitors to campus now that basketball season is underway Please allow extra time for traffic and to move through the badging process New employees must log into their TU email and upload their photo online via the MYTUPHOTO link or through the Tools tab under Resources on the website For questions or concerns, please call the Help Desk at 334-727-8040 or email helpdesk@tuskegee.edu from 8 a.m If you cannot attend the concert in person, use this link to watch the concert via the University's YouTube channel The VIN Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was created by members of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) in 2005. VIN is an online community of veterinarians and veterinary students with over 50,000 members worldwide All gifts made to the VIN Foundation are tax deductible 2005 - 2015 VIN Foundation. All Rights Reserved. VIN Foundation Phoenix House, 413 F Street, Davis, CA 95616, info@vinfoundation.org Photographs provided by Teresa (Teri) Zgoda Thierno Thiam as the new Provost and Senior Vice President and Dr Sidney Brown as Director of Institutional Learning Outcome and Assessment and Assistant to the Chief of Staff a national search has started for a new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer “When I first returned to Tuskegee University as president and CEO more than six months ago I promised to assess all areas of the university to gain a clear understanding of the responsibilities and strengths of the entire team,” said Dr “It's important that we recruit and retain the best possible “fit” and proven “performance” for Mother Tuskegee Thiam is returning to Tuskegee after most recently serving as the Provost and Chief Academic Officer for Johnson C Thiam is empowered to do a full review of the Academic offerings at Tuskegee to ensure we remain aligned with societal trends in skills and employment needs in industry and government Thiam will have an intense focus on our road map to being a high research-based university with R2 status as well as our desire to grow our undergraduate international student population.” including as Special Advisor to two Tuskegee University presidents as Chair of the Department of History and Political Science and as Co-Director of the Integrative Public Policy and Development Ph.D Sidney Brown joined Tuskegee as the Director of Institutional Learning Outcome & Assessment and Assistant to the Chief of Staff Sidney Brown will be responsible for providing leadership coordination and technical expertise for program evaluation student learning and program outcome assessment,” said President Brown “He will also work with faculty and staff to identify and implement appropriate assessment methods in ways that generate meaningful assessment information leading to improved student learning and program outcomes.” Sidney Brown is a Tuskegee alumnus and brings over 34 years of experience in education including positions such as professor and section chair for instructional leadership at Alabama State Special Assistant to the Provost at Southern University and Principal Coach for the Alabama State Department of Education/Office of School Improvement and Turnaround (OFIT); clinical faculty Lamar University; and professor and director of Off-Campus Programs at Alabama State University Brown’s work was focused on improving educational outcomes for students in Alabama Alabama students represent 25 percent of Tuskegee’s undergraduate population “These adjustments are being made as part of our focus on Students First and the programmatic and technological requirements we need to be strictly aligned with that vision,” said President Brown Brown and support them in their new roles at Tuskegee University Please Note: The Farm Gate is restricted to VIPs Only vehicles with prepaid game day parking passes are allowed on campus Please display your parking pass in the windshield before arriving you must proceed to one of the Game Day parking lots and be shuttled to campus Tuskegee University Game Day Parking located at the TIMS parking lot is $30 The City of Tuskegee offers additional parking options at Booker T Continuous shuttle services will run from the TIMS parking lot at 1809 Franklin Rd AL 36088 for those purchasing Game Day Parking Shuttles will operate between the Game Day Parking Lots and the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center from 8 am to 8 pm If you prepaid for parking and have an ADA parking permit follow the prepaid parking lane towards the Franklin Road Gate and you will be directed to an available ADA space on campus Parade participants must be on campus by 6:50 am You will be directed to the parade parking area near the Softball Field participants may exit via Brimmer Gate toward Old Montgomery Road or I-85 Homecoming game tickets will only be sold via the Hometown Tickets or in Logan Hall on Thursday from 9 am – 7 pm; and Margaret Murray Washington Hall Due to the Rodeo taking place in Macon County on Saturday An anonymous donor has just boosted the work of Tuskegee University Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin’s fundraising efforts for student athletes by donating $1.5 million toward the program This donation will help the Athletics department continue to enhance the student athletes “Tuskegee University is committed to growing and properly resourcing all of our auxiliaries,” said Dr “This includes a fully funded athletic program a dynamic band and well resourced cheerleading squad All of them represent #theTuskegeeWay and this donation further supports those.” The university has made significant upgrades in the last few years and exposed student athletes to competitive opportunities. In addition to lights the university has purchased new buses branded with the Tuskegee logos to transport student athletes to all our athletic contests.  “We have enjoyed upgrades for all of our athletic teams and this fall celebrated lights on the football field,” said Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin “The lights will be added to the baseball and softball fields and will help expand our schedule within the division This funding will help to support athletics and student success and so much more.” Tuskegee is creating multiple opportunities to expose athletes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences The university recently announced that the men’s basketball team would be competing in the NBA HBCU Classic against Morehouse College in California during the NBA All-Star weekend The men’s team also competed in a tournament in the Virgin Islands AL – Johnson Energy Storage (JES) and Tuskegee University are proud to announce the formal signing of a Cooperation Agreement to establish the Dr Lonnie Johnson Technology Research & Incubation Center on Tuskegee University’s historic campus This collaboration will advance JES’s mission in developing cleaner and more affordable energy solutions by equipping students with the space to explore cutting-edge technologies and nurture entrepreneurship.  This new Technology Research and Incubation Center (TRIC) will have a strong focus on fostering talent particularly from underrepresented communities It will serve as a bridge between academia and industry providing students and faculty access to state-of-the-art resources and real-world opportunities while supporting the growth of emerging technologies it is an honor to create opportunities for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs This Center will embody our vision to push the boundaries of energy technology while uplifting the communities that shaped us,” said Dr “We are excited to collaborate with Tuskegee University to establish a center that will drive both technological advancements and economic development.” The collaboration builds on years of partnership between Johnson Energy Storage and Tuskegee University as the university serves as a key research and professional pipeline for JES The new Center will expand this relationship by providing students with the resources and tools necessary to engage in meaningful research while driving entrepreneurial ventures that support Alabama’s economic ecosystem “Tuskegee University is known for solving the world’s most complex problems and one of our most distinguished alums Dr Lonnie Johnson has built a career doing just that,” said Dr Lonnie Johnson Technology Research & Incubation Center is going to change how our students see the world and set them up for success long after they leave Tuskegee This partnership aligns with our strategic focus on economic development while underscoring the power of collaboration to create jobs and prepare our students to become leaders in emerging industries.” The Center will also advance Alabama’s role as a leader in clean energy development with Innovate Alabama’s strategic investment in JES playing an integral role in catalyzing this effort aims to support high-growth startups and attract innovative partnerships to the state For more information on Johnson Energy Storage and its partnership initiatives, visit www.johnsonenergystorage.com. For details on Tuskegee University, visit www.tuskegee.edu I would like to share an update concerning actions that we have taken since the shooting that took place on our campus in the early morning hours of last Sunday November 10th The university has canceled classes for our students this week to ensure they are able to focus on their mental health I’ve also met with our Student Government Association President and will continue as we listen to the needs of our students It is important to recognize that many students are hurt in many ways The number of 16 that is often reported in the media reflects those who may have gone to the hospitals occurred throughout our Tuskegee community Our focus remains on the healing of these students and we pray for the young man that was lost and his family I’ve also sat in on Town Halls with students faculty and staff and heard their concerns Our students experienced a traumatic situation that I am sure will linger with them for a long time and we want to ensure they have the support they need to focus on their studies and finish the semester successfully it is our responsibility to secure the campus and move on so that our students can successfully complete what they came here for…an education We have started the process for hiring up to 8 additional police officers allowing us to provide 24/7 security patrols we will bring up to 12 additional officers to the campus for immediate 24/7 security starting on this coming Monday This is more than what we have had in recent memory My goal is for students to see sworn officers walk the campus walk through offices and classroom buildings and dormitories We are restructuring the front gate and adding an electronic arm to make it clear that this is not a campus where you can simply enter We will install 400 additional cameras with common vision If you were around the campus earlier today you would have noticed contractors mending breaches in our perimeter gates that were previously accessible We are adding metal detectors as permanent fixtures adding key fobs and keypad security that alerts when doors are propped open We will move to the use of a security application called RAVE as one of our emergency notification systems Students will need to have this application on their phones more than 40 additional mobile lights are being placed as needed throughout the campus Only badged individuals will be allowed on campus you must stop by the public safety building here across from the main gate to get a visitor’s pass otherwise our security team on the gate will turn you around and this may mean delays coming onto campus This is a small sacrifice for the greater good The bottom line here is that Tuskegee is a secure campus Tuskegee students and faculty will return to campus for in person learning on Monday faculty and staff to join us in the university chapel where we all can come together to show our support for one another and our TU strength We are #TUstrong and I want our students to know that.  The full schedule of events for our Day of Healing will be publicized to our community Some students may require special accommodations due to injuries We are prepared to work with them to ensure they can finish the semester successfully I and my leadership team made the decision to return to in person learning based on the feedback received from 4 other Universities that experienced similar tragedies; Mental Health experts We also considered the diverse opinions of students and their parents Tuskegee University is as strong as the bricks our students used to build the buildings over 100 years ago Buildings that still stand today.  It is in this spirit of strength that we will not allow the criminals that invaded our sacred space to prevail  We will continue to take care of and educate our students Tuskegee Airman Major Anderson receives a Congressional Gold Medal (November 2013) The courage and skill of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II transformed American military history They laid the foundation for a more inclusive military and inspired generations of pilots and aviation professionals Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) continue their legacy ensuring the doors they opened remain wide for the next generation The Tuskegee Airmen paved the way for the integration of Black pilots and aviation professionals and their impact extends beyond the military Their dedication set the stage for advancements in commercial aviation offer aviation programs that prepare students for careers as pilots air traffic controllers and aeronautical engineers Despite the barriers broken by the Tuskegee Airmen, representation in aviation remains low. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics greater diversity in aviation careers is needed and HBCUs are essential in addressing this gap Additionally, programs like the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and the Red Tail Scholarship Foundation offer scholarships mentorship and training programs for aspiring Black aviators Many of these initiatives are linked to HBCUs emphasizing their commitment to nurturing the next generation of aerospace leaders As the aviation industry grows and evolves the work of the Tuskegee Airmen reminds us that breaking barriers requires access to quality education If you have questions about trusts, wills, bequests, or have other estate or planned giving inquiries, please contact the office of major gifts and planned giving at plannedgiving.uncf.org or call 202.810.0168 is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit; federal EIN with competitive basketball complementing messages from coaches Morehouse College and Tuskegee University are honored ahead of the 4th annual HBCU Classic at NBA All-Star Weekend As part of the 2025 NBA All-Star Festivities, the Morehouse College Athletics Maroon Tigers and Tuskegee University Golden Tigers faced off Saturday in the fourth annual NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T at Oakland Arena in Oakland Tuskegee was able to hang on in the end, defeating Morehouse 68-55. Tuskegee’s Kusamae Draper led the Golden Tigers with 22 points, while Kevin Sesberry and D’Anthony Pennington added 19 and 16 points Both schools were selected for their rich traditions on-court rivalry and commitment to excellence The NBA continues to show its support to HBCU schools with awareness for its athletics and educational opportunities Harold Ellis told the TNT broadcast that this was the largest basketball game in Morehouse College history and a huge opportunity for the players with NBA scouts in attendance as well “We’re gonna get one opportunity to make a good impression,” Ellis said “No matter what you’ve done the whole year all it takes is one scout to see you and that can take you to a different level.”  Tuskegee coach Benjy Taylor said playing in the HBCU Classic was a once-in-a-lifetime experience band and cheerleaders all traveled for All-Star Weekend Being on the national stage and representing the university in a high first-class manner bodes well for them HBCU basketball and the knowledge of players,” Taylor said you wouldn’t rather be in any other situation rather than what we’re in this weekend.” Both Ellis and Taylor have connections to the NBA Ellis played two years with the LA Clippers (1993-95) Taylor has crossed paths with Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson NBA official Curtis Blair and others in the basketball world throughout his career “Play to be great,” Gilgeous-Alexander told the Morehouse Maroon Tigers Mitch Richmond who played for the Golden State Warriors in the early 1990’s While describing his story of being a Division II athlete to a 14-year NBA veteran he taught them the importance of understanding that there are a lot of pathways to get to where they need to go in life The game itself was a back-and-forth affair to start but Morehouse College came back to take their first lead at 14-12 Tuskegee would end the first half with a 7-0 run and the 30-22 lead at half-time Tuskegee came out strong in the second half and expanded their lead to 13 thanks to a steal and fast-break layup from Sesberry But a few turnovers from Tuskegee aided Morehouse which continued to climb back into the game Five straight points from Pennington expanded the Tuskegee lead back to 57-46 The HBCU Classic is part of the NBA’s continuous efforts to increase awareness for HBCU athletics along with aiding educational professional and economic support towards HBCU institutions It’s good to hear that you can still become great for where you are.”  Ketron Shaw (15 points) led the way for Winston-Salem in the 2024 NBA HBCU Showcase 2025 at Oakland Arena is part of NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area Ahead of All-Star 2025's NBA HBCU Classic here are 20 players who are shining at Historically Black Colleges and Universities The 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T will feature a lineup of celebrations entertainment and career development opportunities for the HBCU community Nuggets mount historic comebacks to take home court advantage Cavaliers-Pacers and Timberwolves-Warriors tonight Aaron Gordon comes up clutch again for the Nuggets while the Thunder face the 1st big test of their 2025 playoff run Boston's reliance on 3-pointers backfires while New York's defenders come through in the clutch to clinch a massive comeback win Celtics announce Porzingis was questionable to return with an illness that they specified was non-Covid Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones glamour up alongside Angel Reese for the annual fashion event Tuskegee University celebrated its 107th Annual Founders’ Day Weekend and hosted Hampton University President Darrell K The University raised $1.3 million from alumni during the weekend The university received a single donation of more than $794,000 was made on behalf of the late Col provided alumni with an update on campus security “I had the honor of sharing our campus with Hampton’s President Williams “As we work to create more synergy between the two universities I wanted him to see in person all of what is being created here He and First Lady Williams arrived in time to attend the Dawson Lecture Series the Dawson Concert and then join us for dinner at Grey Columns.” Washington was a graduate of Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute Samuel Armstrong who recommended Washington for the Tuskegee position faculty and staff served both universities who once served as an Administrative Vice President at Tuskegee He was Hampton’s President from 1978 to 2022 President Williams solidified the connection and reminded all that the names Tuskegee and Hampton will forever be spoken together I bring you greetings from your family up North “Most everyone knows the topline story of the special relationship our two institutions share Former Union Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong We know that many of the buildings on our campuses bear the same names We know about the former Tuskegee presidents who matriculated through Hampton University  and we know that my predecessor worked and trained here at Tuskegee prior to becoming the president of Hampton We know of the respect and admiration the founders of our respective institutions shared for each other We share the same commitment to excellence and the knowledge that education remains the door to opportunity                      The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum confirmed retired Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart Jr.'s death saying he passed away peacefully at his home in Bloomfield Hills Retired Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart Jr. a decorated combat pilot of the 332nd Fighter Group and one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum confirmed Stewart’s death to the Associated Press no African American had ever been a US military pilot At First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s insistence the first African American fighter squadron was created in 1941 The 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group came to symbolize African American participation in World War II the 992 Tuskegee-trained pilots logged over 15,000 sorties and nearly 1,600 fighter missions over Nazi-occupied Europe protecting B-24 bombers from aircraft fire and destroying enemy targets building balsa wood model airplanes and becoming a member of the Junior Birdmen of America Stewart dropped out of high school and volunteered for aviation cadet training in the US Army Air Forces He made high marks in his entrance and aptitude exams and won admission into the aviation cadet program Sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama in April 1943 for flight training Stewart was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in July 1944 at 19 years old he was transferred to Walterboro Army Air Field for several weeks of intensive fighter tactics training before being shipped to Italy  Stewart was assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron,  332nd Fighter Group, Fifteenth Air Force, in Italy, flying 43 combat missions in North American P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft.  Stewart was one of eight “Red Tail” P-51s assigned to escort B-24 bombers enroute to St and the fighters were able to break off from the bombers to search for enemy planes flying element lead in the forward flight of four aircraft soon spotted two black dots about 2,000 feet below them which turned out to be a pair of German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter aircraft After sliding into position behind one of the enemy planes Stewart opened fire with his P-51’s .50-caliber machine guns and kept shooting until he saw pieces of the Fw 190 breaking off He repeated this action to destroy the second enemy plane Stewart said his radio came to life warning him of an enemy fighter on his tail He looked back and saw that his wingman was no longer there there was a chaotic dogfight happening above him and a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter was right behind him the German Bf 109's engine stalled and the enemy fighter dropped into a cloud bank He later learned that the German plane did not recover and crashed was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions a plaque was commissioned and prominently displayed at the Air Force Weapons School to reaffirm the 332nd’s win Halbert Alexander pose with their 1949 Weapons Meet trophy in May 1949 at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas but is now displayed at the National Museum of the U.S.Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base “We weren’t supposed to be able to fly aircraft we weren’t supposed to be able to win this competition but we did and we were the best,” said retired Lieutenant Colonel James Harvey III Stewart’s teammate and fellow Tuskegee Airman taking advantage of the GI Bill to earn a degree in mechanical engineering at New York University where he served as an instructor and test pilot and was recalled for duty during the Korean War He retired in the 1960s as a Lieutenant Colonel both documented original Tuskegee Airmen and WWII veterans were honored during the renaming of Birch St to “Tuskegee Airmen Way” at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Stewart became an advocate for the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen He played a vital role in their recognition and the group received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 The National WWII Museum was proud to recognize the trailblazing Tuskegee Airmen with the American Spirit Award for their accomplishments and patriotism in the face of discrimination Murrow Award-winning digital producer who joined the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy in 2023 Joey Balfour is the Assistant Director of Oral History at The National WWII Museum and oversees the collection of curation of the interviews housed in the Museum’s Oral History Collection Copy MLA Citation Copy APA Citation Copy Chicago Style Citation A restored P-51 Mustang in US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center is the Museum's tribute to a pioneering aviator the day after V-E Day was officially confirmed Eleanor Roosevelt reflects on the cautious mood The concept of genocide has fundamentally altered international law transforming the way we understand mass violence in the modern world.  Whether it played the role of the “Black Cat,” “Mad Cat,” or “Dumbo,” the PBY Catalina proved itself as one of the most instrumental amphibious planes as it struck fear in the Axis and provided hope for the Allies Regarded as the “most beautiful woman in the world,” Hedy Lamarr was not only a famous Hollywood actress who sold millions in war bonds during World War II Her creations included a frequency-hopping radio communications device for Allied torpedoes during the war including ghettos and other sites of incarceration from imprisoning "enemies of the state" to serving as way stations in larger deportation schemes to murdering people in gas chambers.  the remains of Private First Class John Henry Newstrom a US Marine killed during the Battle of Peleliu in 1944 have been identified and will be returned home thanks to a joint recovery effort by the US and Japanese governments In her first My Day column after Franklin D Eleanor Roosevelt reflects on the sorrow following his passing and urges the world to unite in building a lasting Controlling the Ryukyu Islands would allow the Americans to finally sever Japan from its South Asian empire.  View Campus Map — Tuskegee men's basketball continued its impressive postseason run with a commanding 68-46 victory over Clark Atlanta in the SIAC Championship semifinals on Friday night at Forbes Arena in Atlanta the Golden Tigers extend their winning streak to five games and improve to 16-13 overall Tuskegee will now face Savannah State in the SIAC Championship game on Saturday using a strong defensive presence and efficient shooting to build a lead that Clark Atlanta struggled to overcome leading 38-22 at the break and maintaining their advantage throughout the second half The Golden Tigers wasted no time asserting themselves on the offensive end knocking down three consecutive three-pointers in the opening minutes to give Tuskegee an early advantage allowed the Golden Tigers to go on an 11-0 run that put them ahead 15-4 within the first five minutes Clark Atlanta managed to cut the deficit to single digits behind the efforts of Xavier Griffith who hit a three-pointer to make it 25-16 with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half sparked by a three-pointer from RJ Walker and a transition layup from Kusamae Draper D'Anthony Pennington added to the momentum with a deep three-pointer in the final two minutes helping Tuskegee take a commanding 38-22 lead at halftime The Golden Tigers shot a scorching 57.1 percent (8-of-14) from beyond the arc in the first half while holding Clark Atlanta to just 9.1 percent (1-of-11) shooting from three-point range Tuskegee maintained control in the second half continuing to apply defensive pressure and limiting Clark Atlanta's offensive rhythm The Golden Tigers opened the half with a quick 5-0 burst highlighted by a Pennington mid-range jumper and a pair of free throws from Draper Clark Atlanta attempted to rally behind Griffith who connected on a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 12 at the 17:58 mark but Tuskegee quickly answered with another Sesberry jumper to halt the momentum The Golden Tigers' defense held Clark Atlanta to just 32.1 percent shooting for the game and forced 16 turnovers finishing the game with a game-high 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting He also added six rebounds and three steals in a stellar all-around performance Pennington provided strong support with 15 points while Draper chipped in 11 points and five rebounds The Golden Tigers recorded five blocked shots and limited Clark Atlanta to just 14.8 percent shooting from three-point range (4-of-27) Tuskegee shot 49.0 percent (25-of-51) from the field while holding Clark Atlanta to 32.1 percent (17-of-53) The Golden Tigers were lights out from beyond the arc hitting 55.0 percent (11-of-20) of their three-point attempts compared to Clark Atlanta's 14.8 percent (4-of-27) Tuskegee advances to the SIAC Championship game where they will face Savannah State on Saturday will look to continue their strong play and capture the championship For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Men's Basketball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and  Facebook.  Tuskegee University has named Frank Lee as a security consultant for the university after relieving the former university police chief Terrance Calloway of his duties on Monday He will support the university for the next several months as a national search is conducted for the next Chief of Security.  Lee is a mainstay in the community and has partnered with the university and local law enforcement for many years as director of Macon County Emergency Management He will support the university’s security shift by helping to hire more officers providing recommendations for campus equipment and reinforcement and serving as a general advisor to Dr “Tuskegee University is moving in a new direction and Frank Lee is going to help us make the transition,” said Dr “We will lean on his experience as a leader in the county to help identify areas of safety and security improvement during a time when we are working to maintain the trust of our students and their parents.” Classes were canceled this week to allow students faculty and staff an opportunity to focus on their mental health after this weekend’s shooting.  “I am honored to assist our 10th president in enhancing our comprehensive public safety initiative,” said Lee “I am a third generation graduate of Tuskegee It is my pleasure to serve in any way needed.” Brown made an additional leadership change in the Facilities area He has replaced the Associate Vice President for Facilities and will begin a national search for a Special Assistant for Facilities who will focus on campus physical security as well as oversight of issues around contract maintenance and construction who has been working on campus through Chambliss King Architects as a construction consultant out of Montgomery Hamlin has 39 years of experience in construction and most recently served as vice president of construction for Noble Development of Lake Charles “I am honored to support Tuskegee University and share my experience during this time,” said Hamlin “I look forward to continuing to support this campus and the president in any way necessary.”  Hamlin will provide more aggressive oversight of facility maintenance and construction to support security upgrades and contracts as part of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.  Tuskegee University is proud to announce that U.S Figures (D-Ala) will deliver the 2025 Undergraduate Commencement Address at 10 a.m The Alabama native is serving his first term in Congress and has built his career representing the people of his home state He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Figures will be able to join us to inspire our students as they prepare to step into their careers,” said Dr “While he will inspire the young professionals he will also remind them of the importance of community building and engagement as they prepare to leave Tuskegee.”   Figures is the son of the late Michael Figures a former state senator and lawyer who worked to expand the rights of Black people in Mobile and across Black Belt Alabama He served as a law clerk on the federal court and as Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel in the White House he worked closely with leaders of the Departments of Education He also served as a White House Liaison at the Department of Justice “I am honored to speak to this year’s graduates,” said Rep “I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of the 2025 graduates as they embark on their next chapter.” the university will host the Graduate and Professional Commencement Ceremonies in Chappie James Arena graduates will receive six tickets for their family to join them in Chappie James Additional seating will be available on campus in other locations Tuskegee University will provide updates on both ceremonies on its website Family and friends of our graduates will be able to find the latest details on the protocol for visiting the campus and enjoying the ceremonies Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart, a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and one of the last surviving members of the all-Black fighter pilot squad Stewart passed away “peacefully” at his Bloomfield Hills home on Sunday, according to the Detroit chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Stewart was 18 in 1943 when he began pilot training with what would become the 332nd Fighter Group in Tuskegee The regimen was made up entirely of Black men military was still racially segregated during the Second World War Even by the standards of the now-revered unit Stewart had a particularly remarkable career The 332nd’s primary job was to escort American bombers on missions over Europe and Stewart distinguished himself in action and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroic actions in combat He was also one of only four Tuskegee Airmen credited with downing three enemy aircraft in one day Stewart’s feats in the air continued after the war ended He was part of a team from the 332nd that won the Air Force’s first Top Gun Aerial Combat competition in 1949–despite flying inferior outdated aircraft compared to some of the other teams Stewart called that win “a feather in our cap.” “And I think it put an end to any doubt in people's minds as far as the abilities of the Tuskegee Airmen were concerned,” he said But their incredible feats in combat and elsewhere didn’t prevent Stewart and the other Tuskegee Airmen from facing stubborn racism and discrimination after returning home. In a 2019 interview with the American Veterans Center he recalled interviewing for several commercial airline pilot jobs in the 1950s And the reason was that they were not hiring any African American pilots or crew members at the time,” Stewart said after the war Stewart was forced to start at what he called “the bottom” — as a baggage handler at New York’s Penn Station But he eventually got a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from New York University and went on to work for Detroit’s ANR Pipeline Company Stewart told the American Veterans Center he had no regrets “I wouldn’t change any of it for anything,” he said With Stewart’s passing, there are only a very small handful of Tuskegee Airmen still living. One is Lt. Col. James Harvey, who along with Stewart and Captain Alva Temple won the 1949 Top Gun aerial weapons competition You can watch a video of Stewart talking about his experiences here *Editor's note: The initial version of this story stated that with Stewart's death there is only one Tuskegee Airmen combat pilot still living and the story has been corrected to reflect that Tuskegee University students wanted their classmates to learn more about the voter registration process and why engagement is important and the responsibility that comes with citizenship During the nonpartisan VoteHBCU and Tuskegee University SGA Say It Louder Tour Activation this week students were able to move from booth to booth to test their knowledge on the country’s voting history or enjoy a moment of levity with prizes and fun under the backdrop of an important theme Tuskegee is one of 10 HBCUs selected to host this tour in partnership with VoteHBCU highlighting our campus's commitment to civic engagement The Tuskegee Executive SGA Elections Committee partnered with VoteHBCU and State Representative Pebblin Warren to host the Yardfest Voter Activation event and "Seat at the Table" panel discussion The event focused on educating and empowering students about the importance of civic engagement and voting Warren and VoteHBCU for their invaluable collaboration and to Mayor Haygood for his inspiring participation in the panel discussion His insights on the importance of Tuskegee University students exercising their right to vote left a lasting impact on our campus community,” said Scotteria Scott “We engaged over 200 students in this impactful initiative demonstrating the power of civic engagement and HBCU culture at its finest,” she said Rain forced the outdoor voter engagement festival into the Tompkins Hall ballroom Wednesday but Tuskegee University students remained determined to energize their classmates games with prizes converging in the ballroom with the thump of speakers as a DJ kept the energy of the room up the sororities and fraternities added a step show to entertain the several hundred students who attended Harper said voting is a rite of passage for Tuskegee students “Much like obtaining your first driver’s license—it marks the moment you take the wheel of your future in our society,” she said “Just as many of our students made the pivotal choice to join the Tuskegee University family many will now make another defining decision: choosing who will lead our nation It has been an absolute honor to support this student led 'Say It Louder Tour' and witness our young adults stepping confidently into their roles as engaged citizens ready to shape the future through their voices and votes.” One SGA Election Committee table had balloons with political questions based on the U.S Correct answers earned a variety of prizes: branded bags “Getting out to vote is the best we can do to honor our ancestors,” said Nia Burks a senior Biology major who is president of the TU NAACP Their table featured information on Alabama civil rights leaders Representatives from the Council of National Service Organizations outlined the process for absentee ballots so that students from out of state could outline their plan to register and vote absentee if needed a senior Psychology major from Fort Lauderdale said coming out for the event was “the right thing to do.” She was volunteering for the “Pie an Athlete” event for the Student Athletic Committee A row of student athletes sat in chairs protecting hair and clothing as those who gathered nonpartisan voter information on how to register learned where they were allowed to vote and encouraged to vote in person or via absentee ballot were allowed to plant a plate of whipped cream in the face of their favorite student athlete Ja’Nise Gentry worked the WokeVote table with jars of jellybeans where students were given a voter literacy test to try to register to vote the same way many were tested in the 1950s – guessing the number of jellybeans in a jar “We wanted to engage more with college students and get them more information because there are student loans on the line reproductive rights on the line,” she said Tuskegee University’s men’s basketball team will lace up their sneakers to play Morehouse College on Feb 15 in Oakland Arena as part of the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T The game is part of the NBA All-Star Game weekend The surprise announcement was made Thursday morning in Chappie James Arena as the Marching Crimson Pipers played Ball and Parlay to a crowd of students who cheered and basketball players who could not hold their excitement The regularly scheduled game will move to the San Francisco Bay Area as part of the NBA All Star Weekend festivities “This is an outstanding opportunity for our students to be part of an historical event,” said Dr “Not only will our basketball team prove their metal on the court but we will be able to engage Tuskegee alumni and friends during a weekend that draws attention to the game from millions of fans We are looking forward to reminding the world of our legacy and tradition.” The pep rally included SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman “It is an honor for me to be on this historic campus at this historic time,” he said “The SIAC is ecstatic that the NBA selected our conference to represent HBCUs during this year’s All-Star Weekend The NBA has been a longtime supporter of HBCUs and we are excited that two of our institutions will headline the Classic bringing elevated exposure on a national stage and a once in a lifetime experience for our student-athletes.” Men’s Basketball Coach Benjy Taylor thanked Dr the Board of Trustees and AD Ruffin for supporting the team in this way “Thank you to the NBA who sent people from far and wide to be part of this announcement,” he said “We are going to go over there and we’re going to play our hearts out Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin said this is a great opportunity to showcase the men’s basketball program “Playing in the Bay Area is a tremendous honor for our student-athletes and university and we are thankful to the NBA and its partners for making this event possible,” he said.  “This experience will provide our university and student-athletes with invaluable exposure and memories that will last a lifetime.  We look forward to showing the talent of the SIAC to such a large audience.” Tickets for the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T are on sale now.  Visit here to purchase while tickets last.  To learn more about the NBA’s commitment to HBCUs, visit https://www.nba.com/hbcus.   Students in the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) Department of Graduate Public Health were challenged to expand their thinking to embrace innovation with a focus on collaboration and partnership during their Annual Pinning Ceremony recently Vice-President of Governmental Affairs and General Counsel for Tuskegee University said the world of public health is changing quickly and that it is essential to embrace new technologies analytics and community engagement strategies “Seek new ways to deliver positive health messages,” she said “Public health is not static; it requires constant evolution Adapting existing practices to meet emerging needs and improve efficiency is critical.” James served as the previous and first department head of the Graduate Public Health Program She was instrumental in leading the department with Dean Ruby L Perry to acquire accreditation as the second accredited public health program in the State of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the first accredited public health program in the State “It is fitting to conclude this chapter of my career at Tuskegee University by challenging the students in the Graduate Public Health program enlisted me to help establish and obtain accreditation,” she said “I regret that he did not live long enough to share that moment with the team.” Six students were honored during this year’s ceremony and presented with the official pin and blazer “You are entering a world where higher education faces mounting adversity therefore I present to you a series of challenges that demand your attention dedication and innovative spirit,” James said James address our students and to give them the charge,” said Dr Head of the Graduate Public Health Department “She and Dean Perry had the vision to guide the program to where it is today Our students are standing on Attorney James' shoulders and so many others who paved the way for the success of this program The Master of Public Health (MPH) Pinning Ceremony is held annually and marks a milestone of achievement for students matriculating in the Master of Public Health Program Students with 30 credit hours and the recommendation of their academic advisor receive the Department of Graduate Public Health (DGPH) pin This pin signifies their readiness to complete the final stages of their professional training with the competencies and skills necessary for the public health workforce The annual ceremony also marks the beginning of students’ community engagement by receiving the official crimson blazer that is to be worn when presenting in professional and community settings “I am so appreciative of the leadership of Dean Perry and the hard work of our team in the Department of Graduate Public Health,” said Dr “It’s their dedication and support for these students that made this moment possible It is truly rewarding to see our MPH students meet this important milestone and to see so many parents and friends come to support them.” Alabama — After working to secure funding Tuskegee University is proud to announce that students who are interested in continuing the tradition of the Tuskegee Airmen will be able to enroll in the new Aviation Science degree program in January “When the nation needed aviators to face down Hitler over European skies in World War II it was Tuskegee on the grounds of Moton Field where the myth that people of color could not fly was shattered,” said Dr and the world benefited over the skies of Europe.” Tuskegee University has been working for the last two or more years to create a formal degree program that will allow students to become certified pilots in the tradition of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen Tuskegee will now offer a bachelor's degree in aviation science with the flight option which was recently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) “Tuskegee University is proud of its heritage of training pilots who serve our country,” said Dr “As North America faces a pilot shortage of about 130,000 in the next 20 years our new degree program will prepare aviators to serve their country through the defense or commercial aviation industry which is in need of rebuilding pilot programs to meet the demand.” This initiative has received the support of Alabama Senator Katie Britt who supported a federal allocation of $6.7 million earlier this year a recent recommendation for additional funding for FY2025 a formal partnership with Leadership in Flight Training (LIFT) Academy and the use of Moton Airfield in collaboration with the City of Tuskegee and Macon County “With our recent SACSCOC accreditation approval of the Aviation Science degree with flight training we will once again – as the Tuskegee Airmen did for World War II – help the nation solve its challenge,” said Dr “Tuskegee has answered the nation’s call with talent ingenuity and brilliance since its founding The university provides all military services on campus preparing a standard of excellence that serves this nation Founded in 1974, Republic Airways is one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S., operating a fleet of more than 200 Embraer 170/175 aircraft. The airline provides scheduled passenger service with 900 daily flights to 80+ cities in the U.S. and Canada. Republic Airways employs over 6,000 aviation professionals and is committed to providing a top-tier experience for both employees and customers. Learn more at www.rjet.com ALABAMA — Tuskegee University continues to set the standard for excellence among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) Tuskegee University is recognized as the No 3 HBCU in the nation and the top-ranked HBCU in Alabama and the first alumnus to hold the position "We are immensely excited to see Tuskegee University advance to No This progression underscores our ongoing commitment to excellence and reflects the hard work of our faculty we are also thrilled to be recognized as the No 1 HBCU in Alabama and to maintain our leadership in social mobility These rankings reflect our commitment to not only empowering our students but also making a lasting impact on the field of education," said Dr Brown emphasized that the university’s top ranking in social mobility is particularly significant It demonstrates that Tuskegee University is making a tangible difference in the lives of our students many of whom come from underrepresented backgrounds and face significant financial challenges Our focus on social mobility means that we are not only supporting students academically but also providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed beyond graduation." This ranking highlights the commitment to creating pathways for students to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams ”This reflects our dedication to ensuring that every student regardless of their socio-economic background has the chance to excel and contribute meaningfully to society We are deeply proud of this recognition and remain steadfast in our efforts to provide transformative educational experiences." These rankings highlight the outstanding dedication of our faculty and staff in developing and executing innovative student success programs They also reflect our institution's unwavering commitment to enhancing academic programs that yield meaningful and measurable improvements in student achievement News rankings are based on a thorough methodology that includes factors such as graduation and retention rates Tuskegee’s strong performance in these areas reflects its investment in faculty For more details on Tuskegee University's rankings and the U.S. News ranking methodologies, please visit U.S. News & World Report First Lady Gwen Brown has outlined the history and significance of Tuskegee University First Ladies in a series of videos being shared this month as part of Women’s History Month.  You can watch the series below James Wilcher, a junior at Tuskegee University, a UNCF-member institution, received the Foot Locker Foundation Scholarship from UNCF for the 2023-2024 school year partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF-member institution The foundation works to improve upward mobility and build a more equitable and inclusive future through education economic development and community empowerment “One thing a lot of students deal with is that burden of financials,” Wilcher explained “The scholarship takes your mind off a lot of that and allows you to just focus on school It helped me to really focus and home in on why I came to school.” Wilcher is a health sciences major and psychology minor at Tuskegee where several of his family members attended “That background influenced me,” Wilcher said “I got to tour with my sister and tour again when it was time for me to come Tuskegee offered Wilcher the most financial aid “so economically it made the most sense to come here,” he said He was inspired to pursue radiology after taking a sports medicine class “I thought it was cool learning about the human body,” he said “That’s where I found a love for science and healthcare in general Radiology felt like it was the perfect mix between healthcare and technology.” Wilcher plans to go on to medical school and become a diagnostic radiologist “For someone like me who plans on going to school after [undergrad] having something like this that can boost me is a financial accomplishment,” he shared That instills that confidence that makes me believe not only can I get through this but maybe when I fill out medical school applications they’ll look at the same things they looked at for this scholarship.” his mom went back to school for her master’s degree “I was a little iffy on medical school [at first] because it would be more than four years,” he said One of Wilcher’s proudest moments at Tuskegee was becoming a resident assistant (RA) He has now served as an RA for a year and a half “It was something I never saw myself doing,” Wilcher said “That was really cool for me because growing up When it came to social skills and intangible soft skills But going through that process and getting the job I can truly achieve more than I thought.”  “Be open to different avenues and opportunities no matter if you feel ‘that’s not for me,’” he said “Be open minded and receptive to anything and experience things for yourself Putting yourself out there and filling out the applications [for scholarships for internships] can take you a long way and really get your foot in the door.” UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like James Wilcher in their academic endeavors Is there a difference between studying diversity that's etched in history and using diversity to guide the present and future “The things that are historical, that are part of history, some of them happened because of diversity," said Tuskegee native Col. (retired) Palmer Sullins, chairman of the Friends of Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Sullins watched this past weekend as the history of his beloved Red Tails — Black WWII pilots trained in Tuskegee — made headlines During his first days in office, President Donald Trump recently signed executive orders to eradicate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs from the federal government the order led to an almost immediate update in how the U.S While DEI components were removed from the Air Force curriculum so were videos that taught the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) while DEI elements have been removed from training Tuskegee Airmen and WASP videos were restored to training Air Education and Training Command commander “We believe this adjustment to curriculum to be fully aligned with the direction given in the DEI executive order,” Robinson said in a statement released Sunday Trump refers to his executive orders in a statement on whitehouse.gov titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." "Illegal DEI and DEIA policies not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws and undermine the traditional American values of hard work and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful and pernicious identity-based spoils system," Trump said in the release "Hardworking Americans who deserve a shot at the American Dream should not be stigmatized or shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex." All federal DEI employees have been put on leave under Trump's order While Trump was against diversity programs during his first 2017-21 term Montgomery continued to be a hub of discussions on the subject during the annual Diversity Summit — which was last held by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce on the other side of the pandemic in 2020 “The key message is simple … diversity (of thought which leads to innovation,” Department of Defense official Essye Miller told the Advertiser in 2018 Miller started her career in Montgomery in 1985 “Innovation is key to the Secretary of Defense’s three priorities which are delivering lethality for the warfighters foster(ing) and grow(ing) relationships to cut across barriers and enact reforms that will maximize resources and minimize risks.” The Advertiser has left messages with the Chamber about the DEI orders and the future of the Diversity Summit Leadership Montgomery began its mission to develop and engage diverse leaders in 1984 during the administration of another famous Republican "Our core values are commitment, inclusion, integrity and service," said Leadership Montgomery President Cheryl Johnson "We were founded based on diversity and diversity of thought We wanted to bring people together to see things through a different lens Our thought process is that all of us are smarter than any of us." The classes Leadership Montgomery holds spark conversations about issues like economic development but the classes offer a safe environment for discussions More: The 'Todd Road incident,' Montgomery's racial divide and the healing in the years since that has remained true and unchanged with us They're all prominent City Council members We're creating community leaders to have this lens of seeing the Montgomery community." Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) issued a statement warning Americans to be vigilant against attacks on Black history especially over the next four years — a reference to Trump's term of office referred to the Air Force’s handling of Trump’s DEI order as “malicious compliance” in a statement on social media “there is no greater historical example of a highly skilled valiant fighting force than the Tuskegee Airmen These role models will continue to inspire the next generation of courageous The Red Tails are well known for their unmatched high rate of success while escorting bombers during WWII President Harry Truman issued an executive order that put an end to racial segregation in the U.S Truman called for equality of treatment and opportunity How can you teach the historical significance of a group of WWII-era Black military members Though he knows a lot about these heroic airmen's accomplishments Sullins admits that he is not an expert on DEI “You have to really get someone who is in the political arena to explain what (DEI) means,” Sullins said the meaning of DEI will differ depending on which side of the political aisle you’re on though Sewell said she hopes for bipartisan support when similar issues arise Sewell said that she is relieved the videos were restored but said they should never should have been removed “We should all see the Trump Administration’s attacks on DEI for what they really are — an attempt to whitewash our history and devalue the contributions of African Americans,” Sewell said Britt said the Red Tails have a “legacy of excellence” that will continue to be taught Harkening to what Trump has stated — that an individual's merit is important not diversity programs — Britt said that the Tuskegee Airmen have a legacy of “unquestionable merit.” According to Tuskegee University: “Anyone — man or woman Black or white ­who served at Tuskegee Army Air Field or in any of the programs stemming from the ‘Tuskegee Experience’ between the years 1941-1949 is considered to be a documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA).” Robinson emphasized that the Tuskegee Airmen known as the Red Tails because of the red on their aircraft sacrifice and combat effectiveness are illustrative of the core values character and warrior ethos necessary to be an Airman and Guardian,” Robinson said While Trump’s second term is just beginning his first one starting in 2017 had a couple of major connections to the Red Tails Trump had just taken the Oval Office in 2017 when the F-35 stealth fighter jets were first coming into existence though he criticized the jet’s supply chain it was announced that the F-35A Lightning II would have a home at Dannelly Field in Montgomery The first jet arrived at the Air National Guard base during President Joe Biden's administration in 2023 the 187th fighter wing has been designated as the 100th Fighter Squadron The F-16C Fighting Falcons they flew had red tails and so does at least one of the new F-35A jets there The red tails are changed to grey for combat situations.On Feb was a Tuskegee Airman who flew 409 combat missions in three wars — WWII and Vietnam War.About the women of WASPLike the Red Tails the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots served during WWII According to the Air Force Historical Support Division Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron — women pilots who transported training aircraft from factories to training bases.Women's Flying Training Detachment — A training program to increase the number of women who could fly for the Ferrying Squadron.These groups were merged into WASP in 1943 WASP pilots volunteered to test new aircraft and towed large canvas targets in the sky for gunners to practice Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel can be contacted at sheupel@gannett.com had been removed from the service’s BMT course inclusion and acceptance] Guidance the lesson plans listed below have been changed/alternated to meet the guidance,” the leaked internal message said adding that the revised lessons should be used “immediately,” with the final word underlined and in bold An Air Force official told Air Force Times the videos themselves were not targeted for removal but BMT classes that include diversity materials were pulled and are now under review to make sure they are in compliance with this week’s executive orders One of those classes, a one-day program titled “Airmindedness,” included videos on the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs, as well as an inspirational-style recruiting video called “Breaking Barriers.” “Historical videos were interwoven into Air Force curriculum and were not the direct focus of course removal actions,” the official said “Additional details on curriculum updates will be provided when they’re available.” which he alleges have diverted its attention from fighting wars and made the military less lethal “The Department of the Air Force will fully execute and implement all directives outlined in the Executive Orders issued by the President ensuring that they are carried out with utmost professionalism efficiency and in alignment with national security objectives,” an Air Force spokesperson said in an email The Air Force issued a memo on Wednesday to put Trump’s executive order in practice which ordered commands and units to pull down all public websites social media accounts and other media for DEI offices; withdraw any DEI documents plans or orders; and cancel training and contracts for DEI The service also shuttered its barrier analysis working groups, which sought to expand opportunities for members of underrepresented groups to become pilots and reach other goals in the Air Force The “Breaking Barriers” video that was part of the now-pulled class includes clips of aircraft — from early Wright Flyers to stealth B-2 bombers — and noteworthy airmen as it discusses the history and accomplishments of the Air Force the video displays a cockpit image of now-retired Brig they said man couldn’t fly,” the video’s narrator said The Tuskegee Airmen broke the color barrier America’s women broke the gender barrier.” “Some walls are inside your head,” the narration continued underscoring images of civil rights activists and the Berlin Airlift “Some walls are in the minds of others: Intolerance The Air Force, like all military services, takes tremendous pride in its history, and the Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group are among its most storied The Red Tails, as they were nicknamed, have been depicted on screen numerous times, most recently in the miniseries “Masters of the Air.” Gen. CQ Brown, then the Air Force chief of staff and now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was named an honorary Tuskegee Airman in 2021 and awarded their signature red jacket with its twin tails painted red as a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen Telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and their achievements is all but impossible without addressing the history of segregation in the armed forces and the prejudice Black troops encountered The Tuskegee Airmen were the first and only Black airmen to fly in World War II military was segregated and opportunities for Black troops were limited who flew distinctive red-tailed P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang fighters over Europe becoming known in the process as some of the best bomber escorts in the Army Air Forces Their combat record was so successful that it helped prompt the newly formed Air Force to desegregate in the years following World War II During his first administration, President Trump promoted one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen to brigadier general and honored him as a guest during the 2020 State of the Union Trump pinned a brigadier general star on McGee’s right shoulder in an Oval Office ceremony “After more than 130 combat missions in World War II [McGee] came back to a country still struggling for civil rights and went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam,” Trump said in the 2020 speech President Trump pins a star to newly-promoted Brig Charles McGee's shoulders in a ceremony in the Oval Office Feb a few hours before the State of the Union address at which McGee was a guest (Shealah Craighead/White House)In a 2017 interview with Air Force Times and other reporters McGee said bomber pilots the Tuskegees escorted gave them the nickname Red Tails fortunately the record we established helped the Air Force … to say ‘We need to integrate,’” McGee said in 2017 “We accomplished something that helped lead the country The contributions of the WASPs to World War II but have received growing acknowledgement and appreciation in recent years With the vast majority of the nation’s male pilots overseas fighting the war the Army Air Forces was stretched thin back home it began to enlist the experience of hundreds of qualified female pilots Commanding General Hap Arnold in 1942 formed a squadron of women to ferry training aircraft from factories to bases and set up another detachment of women to train more pilots those units were merged into a group called Women’s Airforce Service Pilots The WASPs first flew only lighter or smaller planes but soon showed they could also handle heavier bombers and high-speed fighters Their own training also became more advanced More than 1,000 WASPs graduated from training during the war and they ferried more than half of the U.S.’ combat aircraft They also towed gunnery targets for practice and instructed pilots how to use their instruments at the Eastern Flying Training Command according to the Air Force Historical Support Division As the tide of war shifted against Nazi Germany and its once-feared Luftwaffe in 1944 Arnold and other leaders felt the crisis requiring female pilots had started to subside A House committee that studied the WASPs concluded that “training women was a waste of resources and should be terminated,” the Air Force’s history said The military shut down WASP training by the end of 1944 The War Department’s director of women pilots argued in a 1945 memo to Arnold that WASPs “were as efficient and effective as the male pilots in most classes of duties and were better than the men in some duties,” such as towing gunnery targets The WASPs’ records were classified and sealed for decades and largely forgotten until the Air Force in the 1970s began opening up pilot training opportunities to women again former WASPs began to speak up about their accomplishments President Carter signed a bill granting them veteran status with select benefits Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times special operations and air warfare at Military.com He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S The NBA today announced that the Morehouse College and Tuskegee University men’s basketball programs have been selected to compete in the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T as part of NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup will take place on Saturday The fourth NBA HBCU Classic will broadcast on ESPN+ “We are thrilled to have Morehouse College and Tuskegee University compete in the fourth NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2025,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum “We look forward to both programs showcasing their talents during the game as well as celebrating HBCU culture as part of our All-Star festivities.” The teams were selected in collaboration with the SIAC due to their rich traditions The 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T continues the NBA’s commitment to increasing support and awareness for HBCU athletics and advancing educational career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCUs “The SIAC is ecstatic that the NBA selected our conference to represent HBCUs during this year’s All-Star Weekend,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman “The NBA has been a longtime supporter of HBCUs “We are honored that the NBA and the SIAC Conference chose these two historic institutions to participate in this event,” said Morehouse Director of Athletics Harold Ellis “This is an outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes to showcase their skills in front of a national audience it thrills me even more to see the partnership between NBA and HBCUs We are looking forward to this enhanced student-athlete experience.” “We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to showcase our men’s basketball program on such a grand stage in the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star Weekend,” said Tuskegee Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin and we are thankful to the NBA and its partners for making this event possible This experience will provide our university and student-athletes with invaluable exposure and memories that will last a lifetime We look forward to showing the talent of the SIAC to such a large audience.” in addition to the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T matchup featuring Winston-Salem State University and Virginia Union University that attracted record attendance HBCU events and celebrations included pep rallies a student art design showcase and the All-Star HBCU Event Intern Program Additional details on HBCU events and opportunities at NBA All-Star 2025 will be shared at a later date when the NBA expanded its commitment of HBCUs the NBA family has contributed more than $5 million to HBCU institutions The Air Force originally halted its basic military training course on “airmindedness” on Jan. 23, days after President Donald Trump issued a sweeping order barring DEI programs from the federal government and military. That class included videos on the Tuskegee Airmen and Women’s Airforce Service Pilots who were the first Black and female pilots An internal message leaked online Friday indicated videos on the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs were pulled immediately from the class to comply with Trump’s DEI orders The Air Force clarified Saturday that the videos themselves were not targeted for removal but that BMT classes including diversity-related materials were temporarily suspended for review A revised class on “airmindedness” is going into place Monday head of Air Education and Training Command That class will include material on the Tuskegee and WASP pilots “No curriculum or content highlighting the honor and valor of the Tuskegee Airmen or Women Airforce Service Pilots has been removed from basic military training,” Robinson said “The block in which these lessons were taught included DEI material which was directed to be removed We believe this adjustment to curriculum to be fully aligned with the direction given in the DEI executive order.” although the training was delayed for one group of trainees Robinson said the revised training “focuses on the documented historic legacy and decorated valor with which these units and airmen fought for our nation in World War II and beyond.” “The Air Force has not removed these airmen’s incredible heritage from any training,” Robinson added character and warrior ethos necessary to be an airman and [Space Force] guardian.” The news about the course’s removal created an uproar over the weekend a nonprofit formed by some of the members of the “Red Tails” that focuses on preserving their legacy said in a Saturday night statement that the group was “disappointed and strongly opposed” to the removal of the videos and called on Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to take immediate action to restore them bombers over Europe as they pounded Nazi Germany (Air Force)“The service and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots … are an essential part of American history and carried significant weight in the World War II veteran community,” Tuskegee Airmen Inc “We believe the content of these courses does not promote one category of service member or citizen over another They are simply a part of American military history that all service members should be made aware of.” After the Air Force stated its intention to restore the course national president Leon Butler on Sunday praised the service for acting quickly “We look forward to the training courses being restored to their original state so that airmen and guardians can continue to learn about the important legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots,” Butler said praised the Tuskegee Airmen and called the removal of the materials “malicious compliance” in a Sunday post on X Hegseth posted about the class again a few hours later thanking Britt and saying “This has been immediately reversed.” David Allvin issued a statement Monday afternoon in which he reiterated that no content related to the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs was removed from basic training and their achievements will continue to be taught to airmen “The historic legacy and decorated valor these airmen embodied during World War II and beyond will continue to guide our newest recruits and all who serve in our ranks,” Allvin said Allvin also stressed the service would “faithfully execut[e]” all orders from the president I directed our Air Force to implement all directives outlined in the executive orders issued by the president swiftly and professionally — no equivocation no slow-rolling no foot-dragging,” Allvin said it is everyone’s responsibility to be diligent and ensure all remnants of the outdated policies are appropriately removed and the new ones are clearly put into place.” “Disguising and renaming are not compliance “If there are instances of less-than-full compliance we will hold those responsible accountable.” Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comment from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen Get your daily fix of Air & Space Force news delivered right to your inbox every day There's no more reliable source for news about your Air & Space Forces Air & Space Forces Magazine is the official publication of the Air & Space Forces Association