Congressman introduces bill to rename Alabama post office to honor Tuskegee Airmen

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, has introduced legislation to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black aviators in the history of the U.S. military.

The bill would name the Tuskegee Post Office at 401 North Elm Street to the “Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office.”

The legislation has the bi-partisan support of the entire Alabama House Congressional delegation and Tuskegee Airmen Incorporate, according to a release.

“Designating the Tuskegee Post Office as the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of these trailblazing heroes, and I’m proud to do this on my first Veterans Day with the full support of Alabama’s congressional delegation,” Figures said.

“The Tuskegee Airmen, whom I especially honor on my first Veterans Day, not only broke barriers in our armed forces but also inspired generations of Americans to serve with courage, integrity, and pride. This recognition ensures that their sacrifice, bravery, and historic contributions to our nation will never be forgotten.”

The name for the Tuskegee Airmen derives from them training at Tuskegee Army Airfield prior to joining the Air Corps. The Black service members were influential in breaking racial barriers that helped lead to the desegregation of the military in 1948.

Video and curriculum featuring the Tuskegee Airmen were initially removed by the Air Force at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s current term after an executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion across the federal government.

The decision was quickly reversed after condemnation from Alabama’s congress members and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stating publicly the removal would not stand.