"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Activist
Victory Abroad Leads to Victory At Home:
The jubilant environment resulting from an American victory in World War II coupled with the success of the Tuskegee Airmen broke an immeasurable number of Civil Rights barriers for African Americans.
A Civil Rights Surge:
With the first half of Double V accomplished due to the success of African American units like the Tuskegee Airmen, it enabled the breaking of other domestic barriers. For example, the momentum contributed by the Tuskegee Airmen helped Martin Luther King Jr. lobby President Lyndon B. Johnson for the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
"President Lyndon B Johnson discusses the Voting Rights Act with civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King Jr., 1965" - Courtesy of Time Magazine
"...the Tuskegee Airmen proved that such skill and devotion, and not skin color, are the determining factors in aviation..."
- House Concurrent Resolution 26, 2005
It is no coincidence that most of the recognizable Civil Rights successes came after World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen proved without a doubt that Blacks were capable of operating on the same, and in this case a higher, plane as Whites. They proved that there was no reason for the two groups to be separate.
A More Accepting Military:
Naturally, the Tuskegee Airmen helped soften the military to the idea of placing Black servicemen, and other minority groups, in highly specialized roles.
"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin."
- Harry S. Truman, Executive Order 9981
Desegregation and Equality:
The U.S. military formally desegregated in 1948, allowing all to equally serve their nation. During the Korean War, for instance, African-Americans served across all combat elements in desegregated divisions. The Tuskegee Airmen opened doors that still impact the modern era; minority representation in the Air Force is on a record rise.
"African Americans in the Korean War" - Courtesy of the Korean War Legacy Project.
From my Interview with Professor Daniel Hutchinson
Red-Tailed Angels:
The nearly ethereal status wielded by the Tuskegee Airmen echoed throughout modern culture. The "Red-Tailed Angels" who flew in fantastical mechanical beasts, bringing victory to America, accelerated Black acceptance. Their unique ability truly broke barriers.
"The Tuskgee Airmen had shown that blacks could perform just as well as their white comrades--sometimes better."
- Ian Darling, Heroes in the Skies: American Aviators in World War II