Glossary

USAF

The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It was founded by the National Security Act of 1947. Since 1942, the United States government has maintained airbases in the United Kingdom. There are 23 airbases currently in use or previously used by the USAF in the United Kingdom.

USAAF

The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) was the aerial warfare branch of the U.S. Army during World War II. It preceded the establishment of the independent U.S. Air Force in 1947.

Airmen

An airman is a member of the USAF and is a military rank belonging to someone with a pilot's certification. The term applies to personnel of all genders.

Black

Black culture refers to the diverse range of customs, traditions, beliefs, practices, art forms, languages, and social behaviours that have emerged from the experiences and contributions of people of African descent. It encompasses the shared experiences, history, and identity of Black people, which have been shaped by their interactions with various societies, including Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Black culture is not monolithic but rather consists of a rich tapestry of distinct ethnic, regional, and national identities. It encompasses a wide range of elements.

Coloured/Colored

This term was used to racially describe people of African heritage in the United States during the Jim Crow era (approximately 1870s to 1960s). It is now considered an offensive slur.

Cold War

The Cold War lasted from 1947 to 1991. It was a period of global political tensions between the United States of America and the Soviet Union (USSR) and their allies. It is known as a “cold war” because there was no direct fighting between the two superpowers; instead, conflict played out through proxy wars, espionage, arms races, propaganda, and ideological rivalry.

African American

African Americans are an ethnic group within the United States with shared cultural, historical, and social experiences.

The culture includes unique traditions, dialects, music (e.g. jazz, gospel, soul and hip-hop), food, and contributions to American art, politics, and social movements.

East Anglia

The definition of East Anglia can vary depending on the context (e.g. historical, administrative, or cultural). The core counties that are universally included are Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. Sometimes Essex and Peterborough are also included.

The Black USAF project focuses on the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex.