By Steven Lau, Editor in Chief
With his sly smile and classic aviator jacket, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, 89, still exhibits the energy of his younger self.
At one time a chemist, a teacher, a prisoner of war, and one of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, Jefferson has lived during a period of vast social change in America’s history.
For several hundred students at Cal High, this history came alive on Friday as Jefferson spoke to a crowded theater about his life experiences, specifically being an African American during the 20th Century.
Though Jefferson could have emphasized many messages from his stories—perseverance, courage, dedication—he repeatedly stressed one idea: Educate yourself.
“Education is the stick in your hand to fight the system,” he said. “The world is like a bear. It’ll eat you up unless you’re educated.”
Jefferson highlighted the importance of understanding the past, knowing the political issues of the present, and solving the problems of the future. He told his teenage audience that being “fat, dumb, and happy” was not enough.
According to Jefferson, it was education that helped him achieve his success, both inside and outside of the military. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Jefferson was drafted into the armed services. Having always dreamed of being a pilot, he requested to go into flight training.
Eventually, he was sent to Tuskegee Air Field for training, where he became an officer for the 332nd Fighter Group, the Air Force’s unit of all African American pilots.
After completing 18 missions, Jefferson was shot down and captured by German forces, and he spent eight months as a prisoner of war before being freed. But according to Jefferson, he was treated worse back in the U.S. than in his POW camp. The reason: racism.
Jefferson spoke not only of the vast changes that occurred during the 1960s, but also the many changes that are still happening today regarding technology, politics, and society.
For U.S. history teacher Scott Hodges, who arranged for Jefferson to speak at Cal, hearing the Tuskegee Airman’s story was a unique opportunity for all those in attendance.
“This is a generation that won’t be around for too much longer,” said Hodges. “He is living proof of someone who’s gone through WWII, racism in America, the Civil Rights movement.”
And not just history classes came to see Jefferson’s presentation. Students from many other classes, as well as administrators and teachers, piled into the theater.
Jefferson also visited other Bay Area schools this week, including Amador High and Foothill High. Jefferson and many of the other 75 remaining Tuskegee Airmen speak at various events throughout the nation for both adults and teens.
As an African American who managed to achieve success during an era of vicious racism in America, Jefferson said that he hopes to help young people learn to be tomorrow’s leaders.
“If you do not know your history, you are doomed to repeat it,” said Jefferson.
