The City of Quincy honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a morning celebration featuring keynote speaker Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse (Ret.), a distinguished World War II veteran and member of the legendary 332nd Fighter Group, known as the Tuskegee Airmen—the first all-Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. A 99-year-old Roxbury native, General Woodhouse spoke with insight, warmth, and humor as he shared his experiences joining the historic all-Black fighter pilot unit and confronting racism both within the military and beyond.
“As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of individuals like Brigadier General ‘Woody’ Woodhouse of the Tuskegee Airmen—whose extraordinary courage helped break barriers long before the Civil Rights Movement, and who embodied the ideals of equal opportunity and service to our country that Dr. King championed,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch.
In recognition of his extraordinary service and contributions to American history, General Woodhouse received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. He was later appointed a Brigadier General and served as an Attaché of the Massachusetts Militia.
Celebrating his 99th birthday on January 14 surrounded by family and friends, General Woodhouse remains a living symbol of courage, perseverance, and patriotism. His enduring legacy reflects the principles of equality, service, and opportunity championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., making him a powerful voice in honoring the ongoing pursuit of civil rights and justice.
