A Pennsylvania collector has donated a notable item that is now on display at the African American Military History Museum in Mississippi.
James McComb Sinclair, a military memorabilia collector from Philadelphia, Pa., gifted the Hattiesburg museum the Navy tunic that belonged to Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown, the U.S. Navy’s first Black aviator.
Sinclair received a gift of a Navy tunic from his aunt several years ago. The name inside the tag read J.L. Brown, and after several years of owning the garment, Sinclair decided to research the name and learned the story of the trailblazing aviator, who happened to be a native of Mississippi’s Pine Belt.
“Jesse Leroy Brown is an American hero, but sadly, so many of his personal effects have been lost to history. Receiving this tunic has been such a blessing for our family – giving us a physical connection to him in a way we’ve rarely had.” Brown’s granddaughter, Jessica Knight Henry, said. “We’re so appreciative of Mr. Sinclair’s stewardship and donation of the garment, and the African American Military History Museum’s unwavering commitment to preserving Jesse’s legacy.”
Brown’s tunic was displayed during a special ceremony honoring the life and legacy of the airman. The timing of this celebration was particularly poignant as it took place two days before Brown’s birthday on Oct. 13, a date that also marks the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy. Brown was born in 1926 in Hattiesburg and made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War on Dec. 4, 1950, when his plane was struck down by enemy fire.
“We are deeply honored to host this event and to unveil such a significant piece of history,” Latoya Norman, Director of Museums for the Sixth Street Museum District, said. “Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and barrier-breaking. This tunic serves as a powerful reminder of his contributions and the ongoing fight for equality.”
The African American Military History Museum is open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. Admission is free of charge.
