Rep. Sykes Joins Bipartisan Effort to Establish Tuskegee Airmen Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Sykes Joins Bipartisan Effort to Establish Tuskegee Airmen Memorial in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined U.S. Representative Shomari Figures (AL-02) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers as an original cosponsor of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Act of 2026, legislation that would authorize Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. to establish a permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring the service and achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The memorial would be established on federal land in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act and would provide a lasting tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation's first Black military aviators.

"The Tuskegee Airmen answered the call to serve our country at a time when they faced discrimination both in and outside of the military," said Rep. Sykes. "Their service helped change the course of American history, and their story reflects the importance of recognizing those who have fought to make our nation stronger. I am proud to support this bipartisan effort to ensure their contributions are honored in our nation's capital."

The Tuskegee Airmen trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama and flew combat missions during World War II. Despite serving in a segregated military, they demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, challenging barriers and helping advance the effort to desegregate the United States Armed Forces.