Jan Perry and Tuskegee Airmen remember pioneer pilot in South Los Angeles



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Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. remembered one of its own today. The group dedicated a square and street in South Los Angeles Tuesday in the pioneer pilot’s honor. Councilwoman Jan Perry and others gathered at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on 28th Street and Stanford Avenue to honor Roger “Bill” Terry, who was also a civil rights figure.

“His contributions have helped to positively shape our future, and it is only fitting that we recognize this local hero,” Perry said. “Roger ‘Bill’ Terry Square will stand as a memorial for his brave and important work.”

Four original Tuskegee Airmen attended the ceremony and told stories about their friend.

“We’re very proud of Bill Terry,” said Ted Lumpkin, president of the Los Angeles Tuskegee Airmen.

Terry was not only part of Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American pilots who served in World War 2, but he was also instrumental in integrating African Americans into the military. He was part of the Freeman Field Mutiny of 1945. The mutiny is credited with having changed segregation within the armed forces.