John, did you know that at least two of World War II’s famous Tuskegee Airmen, who fought against fascism in Europe and racism here at home, had roots in Connecticut?

It’s true — Lemuel Custis , a U.S. Army Air Force officer, combat fighter pilot, and Squadron Operations Officer lived in both Hartford and Wethersfield, retiring with the rank of Major. Bertram Wilson was a member of the 100th Fighter Squadron, and lived in Ashford after retiring from the military as a Lt. Colonel.

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Lemuel Custis was Hartford’s first African American police officer, and in 1975 became the Connecticut Tax Department's first African American chief of sales tax.

In 2019, Bertram Wilson’s daughter Pat Wilson Pheanious assumed office as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing Ashford and the other towns in the 53rd district.

As we celebrate Black History Month here in Connecticut, please follow us on social media as we honor African Americans who shaped Connecticut’s past and are building our future:

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— Connecticut Democrats
CT Democratic Party
750 Main Street
Suite 1108-3
Hartford, CT 06103
United States
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