Rantoul, Illinois — The Tuskegee Airmen — the all-Black band of fighter pilots who distinguished themselves in World War II and had their beginnings at Chanute Air Force Base — was recognized by the dedication of a boulevard in their honor in March 2021.

The name was designated on the portion of Century starting near the business center at the corner of Veterans Parkway, and extending south to Chandler Road. Fittingly, the tract is located on the former base.

The first unit of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, was formed at Chanute Field to train support personnel before all operations were moved to Tuskegee, Ala., where most of the pilots were trained.