DSU hosts Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day and Aviation Expo

Delaware State University recently welcomed students, educators, aviation professionals and community members to campus for the 2026 Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day Celebration and Aviation Expo, a day dedicated to honoring aviation history while opening doors for the next generation of leaders in the field.

Held March 26 at the Dr. William B. DeLauder Theatre in the Education & Humanities Building, the event brought together DSU students, local high school students and families for a mix of history, career exploration and interactive learning.

Throughout the day, attendees connected with aviation and STEM professionals and learned more about careers across the aviation industry. They also explored hands-on activities tied to flight, drone technology and other areas shaping the future of aerospace.

The program included a screening of Red Tails and conversations focused on leadership, access and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose impact continues to shape opportunities for aspiring aviators today.

That legacy holds special meaning at Delaware State University. During the era of the Civilian Pilot Training Program, the University served as one of the training sites for African American pilots who would go on to become part of the Tuskegee Airmen legacy. Today, DSU continues that work through its aviation program, which prepares students for careers in piloting, aviation management and other professional pathways across the industry.

In comments reported by WHYY, Kelvin Lesene, Director of Aviation Programs at Delaware State University, said the program helps create opportunities for students who have historically been underrepresented in aviation.

“We don’t just train pilots, we train aviation professionals as well,” Lesene said.

The event also gave student aviators a chance to reflect on what that history means in the present. In comments reported by WHYY, DSU junior and aviation major Kai Wright shared that attending the event was a way to honor those who helped make careers in aviation more accessible for future generations.

Hosted in partnership with regional aviation, education and community stakeholders, including the John H. Porter-First State Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the event served as both a tribute to the past and an investment in the future of flight.