Jim Crow Laws
Jim Crow laws hindered African American success in America as African Americans were separated completely from whites. These laws worsened the views that African Americans were inferior. As seen, African Americans could not vote and were publicaly humiliated.
The color line still exists - in this case: Courtesy of Library of Coongress, 1879
Discrimination
"The use of Negro Manpower in war"
The initial misconception is that the Tuskegee Airmen were inferior to other white fighter squadrons. In October 1925, the War College of the U.S. Army issued a memorandum titled, "The Use of Negro Manpower in War." This noted how African Americans were inferior to whites, and it pushed for continued segregation in the Army.
Furthermore, in September 1943, Major General Edwin J. House, commander of the XII Air Support Command discussed how the 99th Fighter Squadron did not demonstrate effectiveness. An official study was then conducted, and it was found that the 99th Fighter Squadron had performed just as well as other squadrons.
"Negro pilots cannot be used in our present Air Force, since this would result in having Negro officers over white enlisted men.."
~ Gen. Henry Arnold
The Tuskegee Airmen were greatly limited in what they could do in the military. They were not utilized solely because of their race and they weren't given equal opportunities. Many over-qualified black airmen failed to see combat since they were forced to serve in positions where they were not showcasing their abilities.