The Cleveland Heroes Project honors the courage and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, heroes who transformed both military and civil rights history. The collection of original paintings created by students from Cleveland School of the Arts depicts not only the likeness, but also the spirit of these Ohio pioneers.

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The United States military had never had an African American pilot prior to World War II. Under pressure from the NAACP, labor unions, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the Army Air Forces finally began training Black pilots in 1941. Men from across the nation completed rigorous tests to join the program, with primary instruction completed at Tuskegee University in Alabama.

In 1943, the first Tuskegee Airmen began flying combat missions in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. They were soon joined by more pilots of the 332 Fighter Group, known for the distinctive red tails on their aircraft. In all, nearly 1,000 African American pilots served during World War II. Thousands of other Black men served alongside them as ground crew, instructors, and other base personnel. The Tuskegee Airmen received the Distinguished Unit Citation for their war service.

More than an art installation, the collaboration unites education, creativity, and community, connecting generations and inspiring others with a message of resilience and pride.

This exhibition of art by students from Cleveland School of the Arts was created in collaboration with The North Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen.

Learn More about The North Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airman and the Cleveland Heroes Project.

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