Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen

A free family-friendly celebration featuring a commemorative Air Force and traveling exhibit is making a stop today through Sunday, June 3 at the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin.

The "Rise Above" stop is part of the Tuskegee Airmen’s 70th anniversary and the three-day event is being presented by the along with the , both based in Sewickley. Local Tuskegee Airmen, , serve as co-chairs.

Prior to heading to the airport, Geronimo Pratt, promoter, said the free traveling exhibit made an impressive two-day stop in nearby Aliquippa where guests had a chance to learn about the history and meet local airmen.

The visual exhibit tells the story of the , the first black aviators in the U.S. military, and how they battled in World War II against the Nazis and the prejudices of their fellow countrymen. 

Sewickley's African-American population was particularly sizable by the 1940s, when locals began to enlist in the military to fight in World War II. The largest contingent of Tuskegee Airmen enlistees came from Western Pennsylvania, including flight instructors, pilots, bombardiers, navigators and technically-skilled flight line support personnel with at least 70 from the Pittsburgh region. Eight were from the Sewickley Valley.

Pratt said the exhibit relates the Tuskegee Airmen’s saga in a visual, exciting and easily understood way.

It has two unique educational components. First is a rare P-51C Mustang plane that was used against the Nazis in WWII. On-site historians also share the history of the plane.

The second is a 53-foot long customized semi-trailer, which houses a movie theater with a 160-degree screen featuring the movie, “Rise Above.” This film gives viewers the sights, sounds and feel of what it’s like to pilot a P-51 Mustang.

The P-51 Mustang Plane will be available for public flights.

Other highlights of the weekend include a salute to the military, performances by drum and bugle corps, live entertainment, car and motorcycle cruises, appearances by local TV, radio and sports personalities, food and merchandise vendors, and a health fair featuring the Highmark Direct Mobile Unit.

This event is made possible by generous grants from Highmark Blue Cross, Duquesne Light and FedEx. 

Tuskegee Airmen 70th Anniversary 

Opening Day

Noon to 8 p.m. Today, June 1

1 p.m. Opening of Red Tail Squadron’s "Rise Above" Traveling Exhibit featuring a rare Red-Tailed Mustang fighter plane and a semi-trailer movie theater featuring the original movie "Rise Above."

2 p.m. Opening Salute to Tuskegee Airmen, MC will be Chris Moore of WQED TV Music tribute by jazz great Sean Jones and Dr. James Johnson, Jr. Other tributes:  Color Guard, drum & bugle corps, ROTC, etc.

5-7 p.m. VIP Reception featuring special guests, Pittsburgh Tuskegee Living Airmen and other local celebrities.  Music provided by Blues Great LeRoy Wofford.  Catered by Savoy “Pittsburgh’s Premier Restaurant.”

8 p.m. Close

Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 2

1-5 p.m. Car Cruise hosted by DJ Cave Man Ralph, WKFB 770 AM Cruising with KDKA Radio Van

2 p.m. Spoken Word Tribute to Tuskegee Airmen by Leslie Ezra Smith, hosted by Jonas Chaney of WPXI TV

2-6 p.m. Health Fair hosted by Highmark featuring the Highmark Direct Mobile Unit

2:30 p.m. WISH 99.7 Street Treat Patrol, 99 minutes of free treat snack give aways (sodas, frozen treats and more)

4 p.m. Tribute to U.S. Military

5–6:30 p.m.  Live music TRIBUTE to Pittsburgh jazz legend George Benson by vocal sensation DC Chandler featuring the Afro-American Music Institute faculty.

8 p.m. Close

Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 3

1-5 p.m. Bless the Bikes & Motorcycle Cruise hosted by Mt. Ararat Baptist Church

1 p.m. Pittsburgh vocal great Hakim Rasheed, Soul Music Classic

2 p.m. Pittsburgh Banjo Club

2–4 p.m. Special appearance by Pittsburgh Passion Women’s Football Team

4–7 p.m. Other entertainment (TBA)

7 p.m. Close