Black Civilians Tuskegee Army Airfield WWII 1942–1946 One Man’s Story

The Black civilians were told in the beginning, that they would replace the white department heads once they became qualified. At the start, they were thrust into the work having received no formal training. The roles these men and women played in supporting the recruits was vital to the success of these future pilots. The responsibility they carried on their backs was a heavy weight to bare. Though they knew of the challenges which lie before them, they did not all agree on how to overcome them. There were steady reminders that there was a war going on, and there was only one-side. And if you didn't know what that side was, then you were on the wrong side. It was truly an important time in history, but one that was all too familiar. One man almost did not make the trip, arriving with just a suitcase in hand bringing all he owned and was just looking for more.

On August 31, 1911, Jack Johnson was born to the parents of Edward and Rosie Johnson of San Antonio, Texas. Edward was a farmer and Rosie was a homemaker. The family was originally from Cibolo, Texas, a small town located just thirty-five miles from San Antonio. It was in 1910, just before Jack was born, that the family moved from Cibolo to Weimer, Texas. Shortly after, they were forced to move to San Antonio after they had been told a white mob was planning to lynch Edward. Jack was the seventh child among of eight siblings and lived most of his early childhood and young adult life in San Antonio. Jack was exceptionally good in remembering numbers and possessed exceptional mathematical skills. These skills would one day prove to be valuable in mapping out his future.
Co-Author
Nimrod Johnson is the fifth child among seven children born to Jack and Margaret Johnson. He is a native Californian born and raised in Los Angeles. He completed is education from grade school through college in California and is Certified Public Accountant. Nimrod Johnson is the fifth child among seven children born to Jack and Margaret Johnson. He is a native Californian born and raised in Los Angeles. He completed is education from grade school through college in California. He earned is Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from California State University at Long Beach, and is Certified Public Accountant.