What's in a Word

Words hold power. Good or bad, they allow us to dive deep into the mind of someone else and most importantly deep into our own minds. When studying history words allow us to see, imagine, and envision the world through the eyes of someone who was there when we were not. Through words we are given the opportunity to witness the world before it changed, during its changes, and after it changed. Through them we see how far we have come and through words we learn, we grow, and we change.

Throughout your visit you will see and hear the word “ Negro.” You will see direct quotes using the term and you will hear the term while listening to the Tuskegee Airmen describe their experiences during and after World War II. While outdated, during the 1940s and up until the late 1960s the term was considered proper in describing an African American. We encourage you to learn about the world through the eyes of the Tuskegee Airmen, and as you do so we encourage you to ponder deeply, what’s in a word?