Lambert-St. Louis International (STL) has rededicated its “Black Americans in Flight” mural as a way to pay tribute to Black History Month.
The mural, which highlights the contributions of African Americans in aviation through the Space Age, was created by the late Spencer Taylor and Solomon Thurman, who shared the story about the history and creation of the mural at an event Feb. 16.
“I am honored for the opportunity to re-introduce the mural to the community,” he says. “The mural is a visual illustration of African Americans’ role in aviation history from the beginning to the present. The greatest lesson is the story of how it was accomplished. This mural demonstrates to everyone who visits or lives in St. Louis, that we are proud of our rich aviation history.”
The 51-foot-long piece can be found in the Terminal 1 Bag Claim area. It is one of the largest paintings honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and was originally dedicated in 1990. It was recently restored and the area around it was renovated to include a new passenger waiting area at the exit of the C Concourse in Terminal 1.
The two artists were working for McDonnell Douglas when the mural was commissioned by a local committee, the Aviation Mural Project Success, or CAMPS, in the late 1980s. It was led by the late Vesta Pruitt, whose two daughters were present for the mural’s rededication.
“Let us ensure that the courage and bravery of the black aviators who inspired this mural continue to inspire each of us today and tomorrow,” says Crystal Pruitt. “The legacy continues.”
McDonnell Douglas, Anheuser-Busch and other local companies and individual mural supporters funded the campaign.
“The sacrifice the Tuskegee Airmen made will not be forgotten,” says George Roman, Boeing’s vice president for state and local government operations and St. Louis Regional Executive. “McDonnell Douglas, now The Boeing Co., strongly supported the creation of this mural 22 years ago because the company recognized the importance of preserving history and encouraging young African-American students to follow in the footsteps of these brave aviators.”
During the rededication, Thurman presented a print of an original painting that will now be part of the “Black Americans in Flight” mural exhibit. The piece shows Taylor as he painted one of the 75 individual portraits in the mural. There are also 18 aircraft illustrated in the four-panel painting.
Before the ceremony at the airport, Thurman shared more of his stories behind the “Black Americans in Flight” mural with 100 area high school students. Christopher Newman, an 89-year-old Tuskegee Airman who is depicted in the mural, also spoke to students and was part of event.
“I’m speechless,” Newman says. “I’m amazed at all the praise. I just did a job and we did it well.”
Newman was part of 84 missions as a fighter pilot in WWII. His plane was shot down over the Adriatic Sea, where he was rescued six hours later.
