Hometown Heroes

Hometown Heroes: The Tuskegee Airmen celebrates the courage, excellence, and enduring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen — America’s first African American military aviators and support personnel during World War II. The large‑scale mural honors 44 Tuskegee Airmen with ties to Indiana and brings their remarkable story into a public space seen by travelers from around the world.

As part of the broader Tuskegee Airmen: America’s Freedom Flyers exhibition — which features historical artifacts, memorabilia, and narrative displays throughout the airport terminal — the Hometown Heroes mural connects personal achievement with the larger impact of these brave servicemen and women.

Indiana’s deep connections to the Tuskegee Airmen story are highlighted, including figures such as Major Charles B. Hall of Brazil, the first Black pilot credited with shooting down an enemy aircraft, and Lt. Colonel Charles H. DeBow Jr. of Indianapolis, one of the inaugural graduates of the Tuskegee aviation training program.

What stories of bravery and inspiration do you see when you walk by?

• Curator: Robin Williams, NOLAWORLD
• Installation: November 2025
• Location: Civic Plaza
  

Learn more about the exhibition and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen through the display at IND.