All Stories — More Than A Headstone

Eyewitness to Desegregation

Burney was assigned to a unit based on race rather than qualifications. The segregated units fostered demoralization amongst black troops, in addition to racism from the white officers

Obstacles & OpportunitiesJulianna BeckertOctober 20, 2019World War II, Korean War, Cold War, African Americans, discrimination, desegregation

Proving His Worth

Newsum never gave up his dreams of flying. He joined the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Obstacles & Opportunities, Lifetime of ServiceJulianna BeckertOctober 17, 2019World War II, Tuskegee Airmen, African Americans, discrimination, Hubert L. Hooks “Jones” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen

From Tuskegee to NYPD

In 1945, Randolph Edwards graduated from Rhodes Preparatory School at the age of 17. Dreaming of becoming a pilot, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force before his graduation ceremony.

Obstacles & Opportunities, Lifetime of ServiceJulianna BeckertOctober 17, 2019Tuskegee Airmen, World War II, Korean War, Cold War, African Americans, discrimination, desegregation, NYPD

An Extraordinary Life

Byron Johnson was an athlete, educator, and advocate for civil rights. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the grandson of a slave, his life would take on numerous challenges and opportunities.

Obstacles & OpportunitiesJulianna BeckertOctober 17, 2019World War II, African American, Negro Leagues, civil rights, educator

Pivotal to U.S. Victory

Leuppe and the rest of the Navajo Code Talkers are remembered to this day as pivotal to the United States victory during the war. Leuppe was a hero to both his country and his family.

Obstacles & OpportunitiesJulianna BeckertOctober 17, 2019World War II, Native Americans, Navajo Code Talkers, G.I. Bill