A 600-pound bronze statue of a Tuskegee airman has been found after it was stolen from a city park, Detroit police said Friday. The statue of Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson went missing from Rouge Park on Detroit’s far west side, with the theft reported on Wednesday evening. It appeared to have been sawn off at the ankles. Cpl. Dan Donakowski mentioned that details about how and where it was recovered would be released soon, with no arrests reported yet. Investigators suspect the statue was taken either Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, possibly for selling the metal as scrap.
Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was a member of the famed Red Tails during World War II. The unit notably escorted bombers over Europe. Jefferson got shot down and held as a prisoner of war, eventually returning home to Detroit after his release. Apart from teaching in schools and serving as a vice principal, Jefferson also played a role in establishing the Tuskegee Airmen chapter in Detroit. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first all-Black air fighter squadron in the nation, operating separately from white units due to military segregation, with their base in Tuskegee, Alabama, while Michigan served as an advanced training location during the war.
The statue of Lt. Col. Jefferson was unveiled in June, attended by Mayor Mike Duggan, Jefferson’s family, former students, alongside the construction of a plaza for the statue. Jefferson himself was deeply honoured in 2021 by the city on his 100th birthday before passing away in 2022. Mayor Duggan expressed gratitude, stating, “Lt. Col. Jefferson was a hero in every sense of the word and so richly deserves this honour.”
In conclusion, the recovery of the stolen bronze statue of Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson brings relief and closure to the Detroit community, honouring the legacy of a Tuskegee airman and war hero. The incident sheds light on the importance of preserving historical monuments and the sacrifices made by individuals like Jefferson, serving as a symbol of resilience and bravery for generations to come.