Detroit has just enhanced the historical landscape of Rouge Park with the unveiling of a statue and a newly dedicated plaza that honors the legacy of Tuskegee Airman and World War II hero Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson. The public event saw the gathering of Mayor Mike Duggan, Jefferson's relatives, and figures from his past life as an educator. The plaza at Jefferson Field, situated at the juncture of Spinoza Drive and Joy Road, not only pays tribute to the lieutenant colonel’s wartime service but also his post-war contributions as an educator within the community, according to the City of Detroit.
The "Red Tails," as Jefferson’s flying unit was famously known for the crimson hues emblazoned on their planes’ tails, were renowned for their protective escort of bombers over European skies; so effective were they that bomber crews specifically requested the Red Tails’ presence on perilous missions. After the war, Jefferson returned to his Detroit roots, excelling as a teacher and vice principal, and went on to create a Detroit chapter for former Tuskegee Airmen, as cited by the City of Detroit.
"Lt. Col. Jefferson was a hero in every sense of the word and so richly deserves this honor," Mayor Duggan was cited as saying in the City of Detroit report. He acknowledged Jefferson's distinct array of accomplishments, celebrating both his military service and his enduring impact on education. The dedication, which drew the city’s attention, also saw contributions from Cynthia and Edsel Ford, and the Henry Ford II Fund, making the memorial and public space a reality.
Cynthia Ford expressed her gratitude, "It is a privilege to participate in this effort to honor Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson and the Tuskegee Airmen,” she said, as per the City of Detroit, praising their heroism and their determined stand against segregation and prejudice. Her sentiment laid bare the significance of the plaza, envisioning it as a site where future visitors would resonate with Jefferson’s embodiment of patriotism and service.
The installation of the statue aims to attract more visitors to Detroit’s largest park while commemorating the often-overlooked soldiers whose bravery contributed to the Allied victory in World War II. Their courage and excellence arguably laid the groundwork for civil rights proponents who continued the fight to eradicate racial discrimination during the subsequent Civil Rights Movement. The sculptor behind Jefferson’s bronze likeness, Austen Brantley, is a Detroit native whose work is characterized by its roots in African and Greek traditions, akin to the cultural tapestry of the Harlem Renaissance. "I was thrilled to create a statue honoring a hero," Brantley said, describing the intention behind the statue to encapsulate Lt. Col. Jefferson’s bravery and honor, as detailed by the City of Detroit.
