Essential Pittsburgh

    • Edward Harris

      Lieutenant Colonel Edward Harris is a graduate of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen pilot training program, which ran through WWII. Raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, he’s a straight graduate of Schenley High School who flew more than 150 missions in Korea and piloted B-26 bombers. He witnessed the transition from a segregated to an integrated military, but still had prejudice to overcome after.

    • Wendell Freeland

      The Tuskegee Airmen made history throughout World War II, fighting enemies abroad and fighting for their rights at home. Wendell Freeland was one of 162 Army Air Corps officers arrested for defying his commanders by entering a whites only officers’ club in Freeman Field, Indiana. Defiance of this and other unlawful orders captured the attention of President Truman and spelled the beginning of the end of official segregation in the armed forces.

    • Al Monroe

      Al Monroe is a commercial pilot, former Air Force Captain and Tuskegee Airmen historian who speaks to school and community groups about the legacy of the Airmen. He rebuilt one of the P-51 “Red Tail” Mustangs that’s flown in public demonstrations across the country. Mr. Monroe also mentors youths in aviation, math and science. He gives an overview of how the Tuskegee Airmen have contributed to civil rights history.

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