Detroit’s own symbol of heroism, a life-size statue of Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, a Tuskegee Airman and community beacon, has been recovered after being stolen from Rouge Park. But while the Detroit Police Department confirms the statue’s recovery, the theft’s impact has triggered a wider dialogue about preserving our history, the significance of this statue, and the weight Jefferson’s legacy holds in Detroit and beyond.
Earlier this week, residents noticed the absence of Jefferson’s statue from the park where he, as a young boy, once flew model airplanes, dreaming of skies far beyond Detroit. Rouge Park, a space dedicated to community gathering and memory, became quieter with its absence, as though an elder’s story had been interrupted. Detroit Police are investigating the theft, focusing on identifying those responsible for removing the statue overnight Tuesday, yet details about the recovery remain sparse. What’s clear, however, is the community’s response — a determined call to honor Jefferson’s life and legacy in meaningful ways.
Lt. Col. Jefferson, born and raised in Detroit, passed away last year at age 100, leaving a legacy that continues to shape both Detroit’s identity and the nation’s history. He stood among the elite Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in the United States, who shattered racial barriers while escorting bombers across hostile skies during World War II. His life story was one of firsts and perseverance. As one of the founding members of Detroit’s Tuskegee Airmen chapter, Jefferson’s influence spanned generations, grounding the city’s historical narrative in his bravery and dedication. The statue was installed this past June to mark the anniversary of his death and to inspire the community by preserving his presence in a place he held dear.
The theft of the statue, as Jefferson’s granddaughter Ernestine Lavergne expressed, is more than an act of vandalism. “We are deeply saddened and disheartened by the theft,” she shared. “This statue has stood not just as a piece of art but as a symbol of our community’s history, values, and collective memory.” To the community, this isn’t just about a stolen statue; it’s about a breach of connection, a loss of a visible reminder of shared history, and the resilience it took for Jefferson and his fellow Airmen to rise above challenges few today can fully fathom.
Lavergne’s words capture a community’s call to action: “Despite this unfortunate event, we remain united. We will not allow this incident to diminish the pride we feel in our shared heritage.” Her voice echoes the resolve of generations who have continually rebuilt, reimagined, and risen above trials, a testament to Detroit’s spirit.
For those with any information, Detroit Police’s sixth precinct has extended an invitation to come forward. A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest, and tips can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAK UP or DetroitRewards.tv.
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