Currently on display in the Big Sandy Community and Technical College Art Gallery is a unique display in celebration of Black History Month. The exhibit, titled "The Tuskegee Airmen,” highlights the achievements of an outstanding African American fighter squadron that operated during World War II.

The display of artifacts and memorabilia, loaned to the college by collector Ron Spriggs, is a unique record of the patriotism and skills of these African American fighter pilots who served their country loyally, even though they were discriminated against at home.

Actual items of clothing, as well as medals won by these brave men and women, are a part of the exhibit.

The exhibit tells a proud story of brave and honorable men and women who overcame the odds, as well as the racial hatred of the time period, and managed to rise above the situations at hand to serve their country in the most honorable of fashions.

The show also highlights the contributions of African American citizens to the war effort. Spriggs, who has spent the last several years putting this impressive exhibit together, suceeds in his effort to memorialize that we as a nation do not forget the services rendered by these brave patriots.

The Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit is currently housed on the BSCTC Prestonsburg campus, in the college's Art Gallery.

It will continue to be displayed until March 4th. Gallery hours are 9a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Special after-hours tours may also be arranged.

For more information contact Art Gallery Director Tim Sizemore at (606) 886-3863, ext. 64746.

“This exhibit tells a unique, and all too often neglected, story of American history. We're proud to have it on display here on our campus during Black History Month. We invite the entire community out to see it,” Sizemore said.