The Tuskegee Airmen were Black military aviators who trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama during World War II. Established in 1941 following a presidential directive to expand opportunities for Black servicemen, these pilots served in segregated units and became the first Black aviators in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Despite facing systemic racism, they distinguished themselves in combat and support roles. General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., one of the first Black general officers in the U.S. Army, was an early advocate for Black military advancement, while his son, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., commanded the Tuskegee Airmen and became the first Black general in the U.S. Air Force.
The collection contains 4 silver gelatin press release photographs of various Black Airmen, including the Tuskegee Airmen and 5 Tuskegee Airmen signatures. Each photo measures approximately 8" x 10" and signature cards 3" x 5".
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested. Advance notice is required to view any audiovisual media or born-digital records that may exist in this collection. Audiovisual media and born-digital records in this collection may not have been reformatted yet. Researchers may request access to copies by contacting the John Hay Library with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. Access to original physical audiovisual or born-digital media is restricted.
World War II Tuskegee Airmen photographs and signatures collection Ms-2025-018, Brown University Library
Purchased by Brown University, 2025
Black and white photograph depicting five Tuskegee Airmen in a barracks interior dressing and conversing in a relaxed setting. Inscribed on the verso: “In barracks one day.”
Black and white photograph depicting General Benjamin O. Davis Sr. standing with U.S. Army Air Forces officers, a Black servicewoman, and an unidentified Black man. The photograph is stamped on the verso: “Official Photo U.S.A.A.F. by AAF Training Command.”
Signed by Charles A. Lane Jr. 4/61 USAF RTD. 99th Fighter Squadron, flew P-51 Mustang. 1945
Signed by Charles McGee. The card is inscribed: “WWII 302 Ftr. Sq.-1944, P-39, P-47, P-51C; Korea 67 Ftr. Bmbr. Sq. 1950–51, F-51D; Vietnam 16 Tac Recce Sq. 1967–68, RF-4C.”
Inscribed “From: Luther E. McIlwain, Tuskegee Airman,” dated August 25, 2008.
Signed by Claude Platte, 301st FTR Sq. and Army Primary Flight Instructor.
Black and white photograph depicting officers visiting with Tuskegee Airmen in front of an aircraft. Inscribed on the verso: “‘46, Gen. Quesada, Col. Noel F. Parrish and Maj. Hawkins.” Stamped on the verso: “Official Photo U.S.A.A.F. by AAF Training Command.”
Black and white photograph depicting Tuskegee Airmen and white soldiers gathered in an office interior reviewing papers and conversing, with one woman present. A 1946 calendar hangs on the wall. Inscribed on the verso: “Malcolm + James.”
Signed and inscribed: Tuskegee Airmen.