ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Airshow took off this weekend in celebration of 50 years of flight.

Featuring a new display, the airshow is shining a light on the men's significance in American aviation history and the struggle for civil rights. 

Throughout the 1920s and 30s, record-setting pilots have captivated the nation, with several young men wanting to follow in their footsteps.

But for young African Americans who aspired to become pilots they were met with significant obstacles, as a widespread belief lingered that Black people could not learn to fly or operate sophisticated aircraft.

“They were not seen as the norm,” CAF Rise Above volunteer Duane Sims said. “There are Americans of African descent who dearly wanted to fly for their country. Initially, they were denied that promise or to pursue that dream. And through opportunity, luck of the draw and skill and ability.”

Advocates from the NAACP continued to push the government to allow African Americans to become military pilots, leading President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to create a separate unit.

“It was harder at one base, over another base, but it was whether they were flying or traveling by mass transit of the time, there were differences,” Sims said. “People see them in a uniform. And this is not a person you would anticipate seeing in a uniform and then being an officer on top of that.”

Understanding the courage, skill and dedication it takes to serve in the military, the Rochester Airshow has shared these stories that displayed these same qualities in abundance, but also broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

“Sadly, most of the World War II generation is gone,” squadron leader Doug Rozendaal said. “And so it's our responsibility to keep those stories alive using tools like our traveling exhibit to bring them to life and make them real so people will understand.”

Putting the spotlight on a group of World War II veterans who not only fought the enemy overseas, but the racism that existed in a still-segregated United States military.

“African-Americans were not viewed as capable of doing everything that white males could,” Rozendaal said. “I've been flying World War II airplanes now for 35 years. And soon after I started flying, I understood the power they have to draw people in so that we can share these stories. The greatest way that we can honor that generation is by making sure that their sacrifice was not in vain.”

And for pilots like Doug Rozendaal, his opportunity in meeting the men who paved the way for others has been a monumental part of his career.

“I've gotten to know, you know, sadly, most of them are gone, but numerous Tuskegee Airmen,” Rozendaal said. “And my life has been richly blessed. And I mean, I'm a better person because of that, the experience of getting to know them and learning their stories.”

Organizers find the squadron’s legacy of bravery and its fight for equality still inspire today.

“A lot of the things that are happening in the world, the uncertainty that exists in the world right now is very similar to what was going on in the thirties in America,” Rozendaal said. “And we think it's an important story. Showing young people that where there's opportunity, they can achieve anything."