THREAD: In 1935, as Ethiopia braced for a war with Fascist Italy, African Americans from Harlem to Chicago and beyond rose in support of the African nation.
#BlackHistoryMonth #Ethiopia #WWII #Italy #Fascism
#BlackHistoryMonth #Ethiopia #WWII #Italy #Fascism
In 1935, Black people in a segregated and racist America saw Ethiopia's struggle for independence as symbolic of the larger fight against oppression. They saw the upcoming war as an extension of bigger struggle.
There were sites in cities like Harlem and Chicago where people could register to go to Ethiopia and join the army or provide medical and other services.
Black newspapers across the country offered their support. #BlackHistoryMonth #Ethiopia #Harlem #WWII #Fascism #Italy
Volunteers weren't allowed to go fight for Ethiopia, but a few managed. Here is one: John "Brown Condor" Robinson from Chicago, a pilot.
Read more about Robinson here: messynessychic.com/2020/06/17/har…
We'll also excerpt some of the info below.
We'll also excerpt some of the info below.
Robinson was "a brilliant and highly intellectual aspiring pilot who had earned his flying credentials while working as a janitor for the Curtiss-Wright School of Aviation in Chicago. He had been repeatedly denied entry as a student to the all-white school"
He had been inspired by Bessie Coleman "the first African American woman to hold a pilot license"
(Here is a photo of a group of Black pilots. In upper right hand corner is Bessie Coleman)
(Here is a photo of a group of Black pilots. In upper right hand corner is Bessie Coleman)
Late 1920s: Robinson couldn't find place that allowed Black people to train as pilots.
He decided to build a plane with fellow mechanic-aviator, Cornelius Coffey.
In 1931, they & other volunteers built the first Black-owned airport in a predominantly Black town of Robbins, IL.
He decided to build a plane with fellow mechanic-aviator, Cornelius Coffey.
In 1931, they & other volunteers built the first Black-owned airport in a predominantly Black town of Robbins, IL.
"Their earliest students were mainly guys from Coffey’s Chicago garage as well as five women; including Janet Waterford Bragg and Willa Brown."
Bragg became the first African-American woman to hold a commercial pilot license. Willa Bragg "helped Robinson open up the US armed forces to African Americans, eventually enabling an all-Black military pilot group to serve in WWII, known as the Tuskegee Airmen"
(More tomorrow)
(More tomorrow)
In 1935, Colonel John C. Robinson made it to Ethiopia.
Here he is at an Addis Ababa hotel, 1935.
Here he is at an Addis Ababa hotel, 1935.
"He joined another aviator, Hubert Julian, dubbed “The Black Eagle of Harlem”...the two airmen quickly clashed in a very public spat at the Hotel de France in the capital of Addis Ababa. "
Below, Hubert Julian.
Below, Hubert Julian.
Eventually, Robinson became commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Eventually, Robinson became commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Below, a short clip showing Robinson talking to other pilots in Ethiopia. (there's no sound)
criticalpast.com/video/65675027…
criticalpast.com/video/65675027…
To read more about Colonel John C. Robinson, go here: messynessychic.com/2020/06/17/har…
On this #BlackHistoryMonth we want to say thank you to African Americans for the past support and the present fight against ongoing injustice. We stand in solidarity as Black people.
END
END
CODA:
Colonel John C. Robinson died in 1954 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from injuries suffered during a plane crash.
Colonel John C. Robinson died in 1954 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from injuries suffered during a plane crash.
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