Tuskegee Airman, 101, Speaks Out Amid DEI Rollbacks

Col. James H. Harvey III, a 101-year-old Tuskegee Airman, is speaking out against the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs under President Trump. Harvey, a decorated pilot and member of the historic all-Black 332nd Fighter Group, recalls proving critics wrong during World War II and the Korean War. Recently, the Air Force briefly removed DEI training videos—some featuring the Tuskegee Airmen—to comply with Trump’s executive order. The move sparked bipartisan backlash and was quickly reversed. Harvey says the actions signal regression in racial equity and bluntly called Trump a racist. Despite systemic obstacles, Harvey and his unit earned historic victories, including winning the first U.S. Air Force gunnery meet in 1949—a feat long unrecognized. Though their legacy was often erased or ignored, Harvey remains proud and vocal, determined to preserve the contributions of Black servicemembers amid political tensions over DEI. “We were good. And I’ll repeat it until I die,” he said.

Source: Wisconsin State Journal