World War II was a watershed event for the entire country, but the place and circumstances of a particular group of veterans’ training would become especially historic.

Capt. Harvey R. Alexander was trained at Tuskegee Army Base in Alabama, and he was a member of the first African-Americans to become pilots in the U.S. military. Forever after, they would be known as the Tuskegee Airmen, and that name would evoke pride for all Americans and especially African Americans.

Alexander will speak at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Alexander Room of Elliott University Center as part of UNCG’s celebration of Black History Month. The presentation, sponsored by the African American Studies Program, is free and open to the public.

The former pilot was a member of the 617th Squadron, 477th Bombardment Group Medium and was commissioned and trained at Tuskegee, as were 966 other African Americans.
After his discharge, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Commerce at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and a master’s degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He became a professor, teaching accounting at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., and at NC A&T. For 21 years, he has served as the chief business and financial officer at several institutions, including NC A&T.

Alexander’s collection of pictures, books and other memorabilia will be on display as part of the presentation.

For more information on this event, please call (336) 334-3889.