Congressman Shomari C. Figures statement regarding the Air Force’s removal of the Tuskegee Airmen from training videos.

"The Air Force removing the Tuskegee Airmen from training videos is pathetic, disgraceful, and disrespectful, not only to the brave fighter pilots who saved the Allied Forces in World War II, but to the City of Tuskegee and the entire State of Alabama. It is a slap in the face of the heroic Black men who risked and sacrificed their lives on the front lines in defense of a country that still made them sit in the back of the bus when they returned home.

"The Tuskegee Airmen fought for a freedom abroad that they didn't even have at home, and they did it with such a high level of courage, bravery, and skill that they became the most famous fighter pilots in the history of the United States Air Force and the world. The standard of excellence they set deserves to be honored.

"I will be sending a letter to the Air Force calling for the restoration of the Tuskegee Airmen to their rightful place of recognition in the Air Force's training process, and it is my hope that calling for the restoration of this Alabama History will be a bipartisan effort."