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
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: https://www.messynessychic.com/2020/06/17/harlems-forgotten-fight-to-save-africas-last-uncolonised-nation-from-mussolini/
We'll also excerpt some of the info below.
Harlem's Forgotten Fight to Save Africa's Last Uncolonised Nation from Mussolini

Harlem, New York, the summer of 1935. Years before the United States or even Allied Europe has entered World War II. Large crowds of African Americans are gathering around a registration desk,...

https://www.messynessychic.com/2020/06/17/harlems-forgotten-fight-to-save-africas-last-uncolonised-nation-from-mussolini/
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)
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.
"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)
In 1935, Colonel John C. Robinson made it to Ethiopia.

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.
Eventually, Robinson became commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Eventually, Robinson became commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Eventually, Robinson became commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Eventually, Robinson became commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
Eventually, Robinson became commander of the Ethiopian Air Force.
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)

https://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675027062_Ethiopian-Military-Officers_military-vehicles_map_officers-discuss_war
A short film featuring some officers and aircraft in Ethiopia:

https://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675027063_Ethiopian-aircraft_Ethipian-officers
To read more about Colonel John C. Robinson, go here: https://www.messynessychic.com/2020/06/17/harlems-forgotten-fight-to-save-africas-last-uncolonised-nation-from-mussolini/
Harlem's Forgotten Fight to Save Africa's Last Uncolonised Nation from Mussolini

Harlem, New York, the summer of 1935. Years before the United States or even Allied Europe has entered World War II. Large crowds of African Americans are gathering around a registration desk,...

https://www.messynessychic.com/2020/06/17/harlems-forgotten-fight-to-save-africas-last-uncolonised-nation-from-mussolini/
And here: (same photo, different article) https://biruk.medium.com/harlem-fights-for-ethiopia-223ead9aed61
Harlem Fights For Ethiopia

Not many people in the so-called “developed world” know much about Ethiopia. Even fewer know about its war with Fascist Italy. But that…

https://biruk.medium.com/harlem-fights-for-ethiopia-223ead9aed61
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
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
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
CODA:

Colonel John C. Robinson died in 1954 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from injuries suffered during a plane crash.
You can follow @project_3541.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled:
Those who think consciousness raising & movement building are disconnected, or even a distraction from electoral politics have not paid attention to the history of social change.In this thread, we
Read more
The 2020s will be known as the Remote Work decadeA few predictions of what is likely to emerge[ a thread ] Third Space: Office and Working from Home will
Read more
1/29: Have you ever had a concept explained to you that helps frame complex issues you’ve been wrestling with and opens your eyes to new possibilities? A concept that I
Read more
By continuing to use the site, you are consenting to the use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy to improve your experience.