Presentation: Leading the Tuskegee Airmen - George S. Roberts

Join the Richmond Museum Association and The Walking Ghosts of Black History in celebrating the profound legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. We are honored to host sisters Leigh Roberts and Lanelle Roberts Brent, daughters of Col. George S. “Spanky” Roberts—the first African American aviation commander of the Tuskegee Airmen’s 99th Fighter Squadron—and their mother, Edith Roberts, founder of the Tuskegee Airmen Living History Team.

Continuing their parents' mission, Leigh and Lanelle are dedicated to sharing the untold stories of the Tuskegee Airmen—accounts that go beyond the history books. Don’t miss this special presentation as they offer insights into their father’s pioneering role and the profound impact of the Tuskegee Airmen on American military history.

The Tuskegee Airmen was born in 1941 to much internal and external opposition from proponents of segregation and Jim Crow law in the government. With the support of organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), black press outlets, and civil rights figures such as Asa Philip Randolph, the military had no choice but to authorize the formation and deployment of the 99th Fighter Squadron. They would later prove instrumental to the resolution of World War II, leading 15,000 missions and earning a number of awards and decorations for their contributions in the air.

In advocating for the importance of teaching and preserving of this vital part of American history, it has become all the more important for local initiations to actively honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen; their triumphs in overcoming racial barriers and their role in the dismantling of military segregation.

See Tuskegee Airmen Inc.’s statement on the recommitment to preserve the Tuskegee Airmen’s history in the Air Force – January 27, 2025

At the event:
Buy Tuskegee Airmen merch and support their STEM Scholarship Fund! In case you are unable to make it, the merch will be available via their online store!
See genuine World War II articles and artifacts!
View displays walking through the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen

The Walking Ghosts of Black History was first established in Hercules, California 1989. The conception of this organization began when Leon Watkins was cast as the flag bearer for the national colors with the Massachusetts 54th Regiment in the motion picture “GLORY”. Recognizing Watkins’ true commitment to his ideas and vision, the film producer, Freddie Fields, contributed 20 Civil War uniforms used in the movie to help start THE WALKING GHOSTS OF BLACK HISTORY organization (TWGOBH).

Since then both founders, Leon Watkins and Larry Thompson have participated in numerous community events and school lectures. Participation has included; winning First place in the City of Oakland’s Veteran’s Day parade in 1991 for authenticity, presentation of a commemorative wreath at the ceremony for the 9th and 10th Cavalry / 24th and 25th Infantry in Honor of National Buffalo Soldiers Day in the City of San Francisco, July 1992, the Home Front Festival / Rosie The Riveter Historic Society – Richmond, CA., Oct 2012 and the 1st annual commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Burning of Darien Festival-Darien,Ga. June 2013 – just to name a few.

Their objectives are to work with historians and community leaders to present to the public documentaries and film showcases about African American involvement in the US military. This will create a visual and multimedia platform for educational programs along with a living history archive and reenactments held yearly. They strive to have Veterans play an active role in TWGOBH.

The Tuskegee Airmen Heritage Chapter is a non-discriminatory, non-profit corporation whose purpose is to educate the public about the Tuskegee Airmen by providing facts, statistics, and personal historical perspectives on their true history and legacy through public outreach including: History Presentations, their Youth Legacy Program, and Scholarships.

This chapter is part of a larger, national organization:

Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, incorporated in 1975 by its namesake members, the
Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. More than 16,000 African American service men and women participated in
the training of aircrew members from 1941 to 1949. The mission of TAI is to preserve the legacy of the original
Tuskegee Airmen and to inspire the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals by exposing them to
science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Richmond Museum of History & Culture, 400 Nevin Avenue, Richmond, United States