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Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Greater Philadelphia Chapter Records

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Held at: Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection [Contact Us]

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Call Number:
BC009TA
Repository:
Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection
Extent:
2.09 linear feet (4 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred Citation:
[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Greater Philadelphia Chapter Records, BC009TA, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Date:
1975-2010 (inclusive)
Creator:
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.. Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Abstract:

Despite discrimination and limited opportunities, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African Americans to be admitted to the military aviation services. Prior to 1940, African Americans were denied the opportunity to fly aircrafts in the United States military, as many believed that they lacked the qualifications to handle complex technology. However, in 1940, the "Tuskegee Experiment" was established to train African Americans to fly and maintain airplanes for the United States' military. The men in this experiment later became the Tuskegee Airmen; they included pilots, bombardiers, navigators, instructors, maintenance and supports staff, and many more personnel. The Tuskegee Airmen prevailed despite the segregation and prejudice they encountered, and later became one of the most respected fighter groups in WWII.

The collection consists of the papers of the Tuskegee Airmen of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter from the time it was established to 2012. The collection includes four boxes of correspondence, newsletters, constitutions, awards, programs, newspaper articles, photographs, financials and other collected material from the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. The newspaper articles and correspondence also address the activities and achievements of this specific chapter.

This collection is arranged alphabetically by type of material.

Gift, 2011.

Original audiovisual materials, as well as preservation and duplicating masters, may not be played. Researchers must consult use copies, or if none exist must pay for a use copy. Certain digital files may also be inaccessible. Please contact the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection for more information.

Publisher
Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection
Finding Aid Author
Machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan, Sky Global Services India (P) Ltd.
Finding Aid Date
January 2024
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Greater Philadelphia Chapter Records are the physical property of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries. The creator/donor has not assigned their rights to Temple University Libraries. Other creators' intellectual property rights, including copyright, belong to them or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for determining the identity of rights holders and obtaining their permission for publication and for other purposes where stated.

Collection Inventory

Activity Report, Roster and Financials, 1990.
Box 1 Folder 1
Article: "Airmen Fought for Tight to be Patriotic in U.S.", August 2008.
Box 1 Folder 2
Article: "American Heroes Visit Central", February 2006.
Box 1 Folder 3
Article: "Ata Height Once Forbidden," Philadelphia Inquirer, March 8, 1987.
Box 1 Folder 4
Article: "G. Naomi Funderburg: Her Life Was Changed by War," Mt. Airy Times/Express, September 6, 1995.
Box 1 Folder 5
Article: "Gen. Noel F. Parrish Dies; Trained Tuskegee Airmen," Washington Post, April 10, 1987.
Box 1 Folder 6
Article: "Legend of Tuskegee Thrives at Cheyney", undated.
Box 1 Folder 7
Article: "Local Airmen Group Seeks to Interest Youths in Aviation", June 1, 1976.
Box 1 Folder 8
Article: "Philadelphia Tuskegee Airmen Unit Receives Charter," The Philadelphia Tribune, March 1, 1975.
Box 1 Folder 9
Article: "Proof with Flying Colors," The Philadelphia Tribune, June 18, 2004.
Box 1 Folder 10
Article: "Tuskegee Airman Portrait Marks City's 3000th Mural", June 16, 2009.
Box 1 Folder 11
Article: "Tuskegee Airmen Honored at Majestic Temple Church," Philadelphia Tribune, March 7, 1997.
Box 1 Folder 12
Article: "Tuskegee Airmen Leave Legacy of Perseverance", January 12-18, 2012.
Box 1 Folder 13
Article: "Tuskegee Airmen Share Memories," Temple News, February 18, 1987.
Box 1 Folder 14
Article: "Veterans Who Fought War-and Bias," Philadelphia Inquirer, December 29, 1991.
Box 1 Folder 15
Article: "Yeadon NAACP Celebrates Airmen, National Anniversary," Philadelphia Inquirer, October 8, 2008.
Box 1 Folder 16
Article: "Yenwith Whitney, Tuskegee Airman, Dies at 86," Philadelphia Tribune, April 19, 2011.
Box 1 Folder 17
Article: "Blockson Collection Preserves Tuskegee Legacy," Temple Times, March 4, 2011.
Box 1 Folder 18
Article: "Celebrating 60 Years of History Making", 2004.
Box 1 Folder 19
Article: "Tuskegee Legacy Finds Home at Temple Archive," Philadelphia Inquirer, February 18, 2011.
Box 1 Folder 20
Biography: Luther H. Smith, undated.
Box 1 Folder 21
Biography: Roscoe Draper (Articles included), undated.
Box 1 Folder 22
Booklet: 16th Annual National Convention, August 25-30, 1987.
Box 1 Folder 23
Booklet: 37th Annual National Convention, July 17-20, 2008.
Box 1 Folder 24
Booklet: 8th Annual Celebration of Community Service Award, January 16, 2010.
Box 1 Folder 25
Booklet: 9th Annual National Convention, August 6-10, 1980.
Box 1 Folder 26
Booklet: Fifth National Convention, August 19-22, 1976.
Box 1 Folder 27
Certificate: The Aviation and Aerospace Academy, February 7, 1967.
Box 1 Folder 28
Chapter Activity Report, April 9-June 30, 2004.
Box 1 Folder 29
Chapter Address List, March 25, 1975.
Box 1 Folder 30
Chapter By-Laws, 1976.
Box 1 Folder 31
Citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, undated.
Box 1 Folder 32
Committee Planning for 1976 National Convention, undated.
Box 1 Folder 33
Copy of Greater Philadelphia Chapter Charter, 1975 Feb. 23.
Box 1 Folder 34
Correspondence: Appreciation card from Mildred Love to Chapter members, February 26, 1991.
Box 1 Folder 35
Correspondence: Letter from Adolphus Lewis Jr. to Gerri Ann Mackervich; and letter from Adolphus Lewis Jr. to Robert McClintock, January 2 and January 3, 1987.
Box 1 Folder 36
Correspondence: Letter from Bradford Lang to Mr. Matos (poster included), undated.
Box 1 Folder 37
Correspondence: Letter from Emma Jackson to William Cousins, February 7, 1995.
Box 1 Folder 38
Correspondence: Letter from Fannie White to George Bolden, February 7, 1995.
Box 1 Folder 39
Correspondence: Letter from G.L Eves to Eugene Richardson, June 30, 1976.
Box 1 Folder 40
Correspondence: Letter from G.L. Washington to William Cousins, February 11, 1976.
Box 1 Folder 41
Correspondence: Letter from Lorraine Laney to Eugene J. Richardson, Jr., June 13, 1976.
Box 1 Folder 42
Correspondence: Letter from Malcom Poindexter to Theodore Ramsey (Contract attached), November 11, 1986.
Box 1 Folder 43
Correspondence: Letter from Roscoe Draper to George Bolden; Photograph: Tuskegee Hall, West Philadelphia High School, March 14, 1996.
Box 1 Folder 44
Correspondence: Letter from Spann Watson to William Cousins, January 21, 1975.
Box 1 Folder 45
Correspondence: Letter from W.E. Callendar to MAJ Bernard S. Proctor, October 9, 1996.
Box 1 Folder 46
Correspondence: Letter from Wesley Walker to Calvin Massey and Letter from Wesley Walker to Ralph Chasis, August 28 and September 4, 1979.
Box 1 Folder 47
Correspondence: Letter to William Cousins from Lucius Theus and Letter from William Cousins to Price D. Rice, March 21 and June 7, 1987.
Box 1 Folder 48
Correspondence: Letters from and to William Cousins, 1986-1987.
Box 1 Folder 49
Correspondence: Letters from Spann Watson to Board of Directors Letter to and from Roy Wilkins, 1976.
Box 1 Folder 50
Dedication of Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Center for Aerospace Science and Health El. (Articles, memo and special bulletin included), undated.
Box 1 Folder 51
Financial Report, January 1-December 31, 1985.
Box 1 Folder 52
Financials, 1976-1977.
Box 1 Folder 53
Invitation: First Annual Scholarship Luncheon (Seating Plan included), December 14, 1986.
Box 2 Folder 1
List of Dues Paid, 1975, 1976.
Box 2 Folder 2
Meeting Minutes, 1991.
Box 2 Folder 3
Meeting Minutes, 1992.
Box 2 Folder 4
Meeting Minutes, 1993.
Box 2 Folder 5
Meeting Minutes, 1994.
Box 2 Folder 6
Meeting Minutes, 1995.
Box 2 Folder 7
Members Convention, 2003.
Box 2 Folder 8
Memo: Board of Directors Meeting, December 15, 1986.
Box 2 Folder 9
National Constitution and By-Laws, August 1975.
Box 2 Folder 10
National Mailing List, 1987.
Box 2 Folder 11
Newsletters, 1975.
Box 2 Folder 12
Newsletters, 1976.
Box 2 Folder 13
Newsletters, 1977.
Box 2 Folder 14
Newsletters, 1978.
Box 2 Folder 15
Newsletters, 1979.
Box 2 Folder 16
Newsletters, 1980.
Box 2 Folder 17
Newsletters, 1981.
Box 2 Folder 18
Newsletters, 1982.
Box 2 Folder 19
Petition to national President requesting charter, November 26, 1974.
Box 2 Folder 20
Photograph of Philadelphia Chapter, May 26, 2000.
Box 2 Folder 21
Photograph of Philadelphia Chapter, 2005.
Box 2 Folder 22
Photographs of Chapter donating books, 1977.
Box 2 Folder 23
Photographs of chapter members, 1976.
Box 2 Folder 24
Photographs of Members' Wives (List of Names Included), 1975.
Box 2 Folder 25
Photographs: 60th Anniversary Celebration, June 2004.
Box 2 Folder 26
Photographs: Celebration at Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, undated.
Box 2 Folder 27
Photographs: Convention, 1976.
Box 2 Folder 28
Photographs: Officers being sworn in, 1975.
Box 2 Folder 29
Photographs: Reading Air Show, 2004.
Box 2 Folder 30
Photographs: Recipients of Tuition Assistance at Delaware State University, 2006.
Box 2 Folder 31
Photographs: Trailblazers, undated.
Box 2 Folder 32
Proclamation: Tuskegee Airmen's Day, 2008.
Box 2 Folder 33
Program: An Experience with Blacks in Aviation (Articles and photographs included), May 13, 1987.
Box 2 Folder 34
Program: Benjamin L. Calloway Funeral, June 21, 2009.
Box 2 Folder 35
Program: Benjamin W. Williams Funeral, August 30, 2002.
Box 2 Folder 36
Program: Congressional Gold Medal Reception Honoring Tuskegee Airmen, March 29, 2007.
Box 2 Folder 37
Program: Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. USAF (Gen.) Memorial Service, March 1, 1978.
Box 2 Folder 38
Program: Dedication Ceremony, Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Statue (Photographs of statue included), May 6, 1988.
Box 2 Folder 39
Program: Elwood A. Shelby Funeral, May 5, 2009.
Box 2 Folder 40
Program: Everette E. Richardson Funeral, May 8, 1993.
Box 2 Folder 41
Program: George Washington Carver Award Ceremony, March 14, 1996.
Box 2 Folder 42
Program: John F. Eberhardt Funeral, January 21, 2003.
Box 2 Folder 43
Program: Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Honors, June 23, 2009.
Box 2 Folder 44
Program: Theodore M. Taylor Funeral Service, December 15, 1987.
Box 2 Folder 45
Programs: Presentation of Chapter Charter and Installation of Chapter Officers (Articles and letters included), undated.
Box 2 Folder 46
Receipt: Dinner Meeting, November 22, 1975.
Box 2 Folder 47
Report: National Scholarship Fund, 1986.
Box 2 Folder 48
Report: Progress Report on the Sickle Cell Study of Tuskegee Airmen by Dr. Vance H. Marchbanks Jr. (Article and letter included), December 3, 1977.
Box 2 Folder 49
Roster, 1987.
Box 2 Folder 50
Roster: Philadelphia Area, 1974.
Box 2 Folder 51
Ticket: Opera North Luncheon (Flyer and receipt included), December 6, 1987.
Box 2 Folder 52
Tuskegee Airmen Key Chain, undated.
Box 2 Folder 53
Tuskegee Airmen Officer Listing, 1975-2010.
Box 2 Folder 54
Tuskegee Airmen Week, June 16, 2004.
Box 2 Folder 55
"Remembering the Glory of the Airmen," Philadelphia Tribune, June 1, 2001.
Box 2 Folder 55
Correspondence: Letter from Gov. Edward Rendell, June 2004.
Box 2 Folder 55
Lewis, Adolphus, Jr., undated.
Box 2 Folder 56
Draper, Roscoe, undated.
Box 2 Folder 57
Tuskegee Airmen Timeline, undated.
Box 2 Folder 58
Fifth National Convention Tuskegee Airmen photo album, undated.
Box 3 Folder 1
Tuskegee Airmen Cassettes, undated. 2 Cassettes.
Box 3 Folder 2
Physical Description

2 Cassettes

Tuskegee Airmen miniature banner, undated.
Box 3 Folder 3
Award from Penn State University, February 28, 2010.
Box 4 Folder 1
Black Achievement Award, February 11, 1996.
Box 4 Folder 2
Certification of Appreciation, February 24, 2009.
Box 4 Folder 3
Proclamation, Tuskegee Airmen Day, 2008.
Box 4 Folder 4

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