John C. Robinson

port of harlem gambian education partnership

John C. Robinson
International Aviation Pioneer
(1903-1954)
United States

In 1931, two years after the start of the Great Depression, John C. Robinson co-founded Robbins Airport, America’s first Black airport. During its short life, the airport created its own legacy, including being the site where ten of the original Tuskegee Airmen learned to fly. In April 1935, when Italy attacked Ethiopia, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie wired an official invitation to Robinson offering him an officer's commission in the fledging Ethiopian Air Force. Robinson accepted and was later named the commander of the Air Force and played a role in the foundation of Ethiopian Airlines. Because of his work and influence in aviation, Robinson is often considered the Father of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Father of Ethiopian Airlines.

“In the creation of this acrylic painting, I was inspired by Robinson’s life and the era in which the legend was born. Old black and white movies and their ability to bring back memories also inspired me to use sepia tones. I created this painting in various sepia tones from burnt sienna to yellow ochra light to show homage to the era that the Black Condor made his reputation.”

- Artist Willie C. Cordy, Jr.

Like Us On

See Us On

Send Us an Email

Our Business Sponsor

This Way to More of "From These Shores"