A Brief History
On July 4, 1881, Tuskegee Institute opened, beginning a glorious history of educating mostly African American students. Known as an Historically Black College or University, Tuskegee is known for the name of the “Tuskegee Airmen” of World War II fame, Black American pilots that proved to be as good or better than any other pilots in the world.
Digging Deeper
Originally known as Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers, Tuskegee is now known as Tuskegee University, a top-notch school in many areas. The school boasts 2600 students and counts among its past students successful people in all careers, and such notable people as:
Alice Marie Coachman, first Black woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal.
General Daniel “Chappie” James, first black US military officer of 4 star rank.
Lonnie Johnson, NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker.
Dr. Ptolemy A. Reid, former Prime Minister of Guyana.
Lionel Richie, famous singer along with his fellow Commodores.
Keenen Ivory Wayans, actor and producer.
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, founder of Voorhees College.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Amaki, Amalia and Amelia Robinson. Tuskegee. Arcadia Publishing, 2013.
Middleton, Lanice. Tuskegee University Cemetery Stories: The Lives That Built a Great American Educational Institution. NewSouth Books, 2021.
The featured image in this article, a photograph of a history class conducted at the Tuskegee Institute in 1902, is in the public domain in the United States. This applies to U.S. works where the copyright has expired, often because its first publication occurred prior to January 1, 1928, and if not then due to lack of notice or renewal. See this page for further explanation.
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