Philadelphia Kappas celebrate fellow brother, Tuskegee Airman for his 100th birthday

Dozens gathered at the Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Center in Germantown over the weekend to celebrate the 100th birthday of Eugene Richardson Jr., one of four surviving Tuskegee Airmen residing in the Philadelphia region.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Richardson later lived in Camden, New Jersey, where he became a pre-aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps. He left Camden to attend Tuskegee University in Alabama, completing his combat training in 1945. In 1951, he became an initiate of the Lambda Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Many brothers and their families from across the region came together Sunday to honor his life and achievements. “I’m really, really flattered and happy about it,” Richardson said. “Having so many brothers around, and so great of them to come out, that’s just what brotherhood does for you.”

Richardson emphasized that being a Tuskegee Airman was a significant part of his life, opening countless doors for him. Over the years, he has shared his experiences by speaking at schools and various organizations.

“Brother Dr. Richardson is celebrating 100 years of service to country, to family, and to Kappa Alpha Psi,” said Theodore (Ted) Sanchious III, polemarch of the Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi. “You become a member either through an undergraduate chapter or an alumni chapter, but you’re a member for life. Events like this give us an opportunity to celebrate achievements.”

Sanchious highlighted Richardson as a living embodiment of historic achievement, honoring his legacy as a surviving Tuskegee Airman. In 2007, Richardson received a Congressional Gold Medal from former President George W. Bush, along with his fellow Airmen.

Former Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode Jr., who spoke at the event, praised Richardson’s accomplishments. “Achieve at the level that you have achieved and to live and make this wonderful milestone,” said Goode. “I know how difficult it is to make it in this country. It’s amazing that you are here and that you are living history.”

Having witnessed the nation’s transformation over the decades, Richardson continues to persevere and inspire generations as a charter member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.

“Dr. Richardson Jr. has been an important part of the Tuskegee Airmen since 1974; he was one of the founders of the organization,” said Melvin Payne, president of the local Tuskegee Airmen chapter. “He has been an inspiration to me and to other youth, encouraging success in life.”

Payne acknowledged Richardson as a poignant mentor and a strong representative of both the Tuskegee Airmen and the Black community.

“We support each other because that’s what it’s about — brotherhood and being there for one another,” said Sanchious.

Richardson continues to encourage Black people across the country to persevere. “The Tuskegee Airmen actually changed this country without question,” he said. “Because of our performance, President Truman issued an executive order ending segregation in the military. With segregation ending in the military, segregation in the country began to come to an end, and the Tuskegee Airmen are a big part of that.”

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