Early this summer, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson – a distinguished Tuskegee Airman whose heroic efforts were instrumental in the United States’ victory in World War II – was honored on his 100th birthday with a striking new life-sized statue and plaza in Detroit’s Rouge Park.
“Crafted with precision and passion, the bronze statue captures the courage, determination, and resilience of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen,” said Austen Brantley, the sculptor of the statue.
Sadly, though, just five months after its dedication, Detroit Police are now offering a $5,000 reward for information regarding the theft of the statue after it was stolen from the plaza at Jefferson Field at the corner of Spinoza Drive and Joy Road in Rouge Park.
Authorities say they believe the statue was stolen at night on Wednesday, Oct. 23, to scrap.
Jefferson served as a P-51 fighter pilot in World War II as part of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military pilots in the U.S. The renowned flying unit led by Lt. Col. Jefferson, known as the Red Tails due to the distinctive red markings on their plane tails, played a crucial role in escorting bombers during missions over Europe. Their exceptional skill and bravery resulted in very few losses of the bombers they escorted, earning them a reputation that led to requests from bomber crews specifically asking for their support. He flew 18 missions before being shot down and held as a prisoner of war in Poland for eight months in 1944-1945. He was released and had a stellar career as a teacher and vice principal in Detroit. He also helped found a Tuskegee Airman chapter of former pilots.
“We are deeply saddened and disheartened by the theft of the statue of my grandfather from the park. 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 many, it represents a cherished reminder of our shared past and the lessons we carry forward,” said Jefferson’s granddaughter, Ernestine Lavergne.
“This act of theft goes beyond vandalism; it is a loss to everyone who found meaning, connection, and pride in that statue and the heroic actions of the Tuskegee Airmen. We ask that anyone with information come forward to help us restore this important symbol to its rightful place. Despite this unfortunate event, we remain united as a community. We will not allow this incident to diminish the pride we feel in our shared heritage.”
The Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship unveiled the statue and dedicated the plaza on the field bearing Jefferson’s name, where he spent time flying model airplanes in his spare time.
The plaza and statue were made possible by the generous support of Cynthia and Edsel Ford and the Henry Ford II Fund. Cynthia Ford emphasized at the time of the unveiling that participating in this effort to honor Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson and the Tuskegee Airmen was a privilege.
Anyone with information is asked to call DPD’s sixth precinct at 313-596-5640 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 800-Speak Up or DetroitRewards.tv.
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