Tuskegee, Alabama plays a significant role in Black history, primarily due to the presence of the historic Tuskegee Institute, now known as Tuskegee University. Founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, Tuskegee Institute was one of the first institutions of higher education for African Americans in the United States.

Under Washington's leadership, Tuskegee Institute became a leading center for Black education, emphasizing vocational training and self-reliance. Washington's philosophy of industrial education, known as the "Tuskegee Idea," aimed to equip African Americans with practical skills to empower them economically and socially.

One of the most notable contributions of Tuskegee Institute was the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American military pilots who served during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen overcame racism and discrimination to become highly respected fighter pilots, demonstrating the capabilities of Black servicemen and paving the way for integration in the U.S. military.

Tuskegee University continues to be a renowned institution for higher education, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and agriculture. The university's impact on Black education and empowerment remains a crucial part of its legacy in Black history.