The Man Called Brown Condor: The Forgotten History of an African American Fighter Pilot

“[Robinson’s] lifelong triumph over adversity belongs to the greatest of American success stories.” —Peter Hannaford, Washington Times

“The story of John C. Robinson, born in segregated Mississippi at the turn of the century, and his remarkable story of not just becoming a pilot but rising to become the commander of the Ethiopian Air Force during the Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935.” —Publishers Weekly

“Simmons spent over 20 years researching the remarkable life of John D. Robinson, who rose from segregationist Mississippi to become a distinguished pilot, founder of the Tuskegee Institute’s school of aviation, a bold defender of Ethiopia during the 1935 Italian invasion, and, finally, founder of the Ethiopian Air Force.” —Library Journal

“An inspiring affirmation that celebrates the old adage that where there’s a will, there’s a way, even against seemingly impossible odds.” —Kirkus Reviews

“All New York Greets Pilot on Arrival”

“Newsmen Get Lowdown on African War from Colonel John C. Robinson”

“Pioneered Aviation in Chicago–Started Air School”

“Colonel Robinson, Brown Condor, Returns Home”

“Gangway for the Brown Condor”

“Crowds Wait on War Hero”

“There has never been such a demonstration as was accorded the thirty-one-year-old Chicago aviator who left the United States thirteen months ago and literally covered himself in glory trying to preserve the independence of the last African empire. There are reports that he will be joining the faculty of Tuskegee Institute to teach aviation.”

–The Chicago Defender newspaper on John C. Robinson’s heroic return to America, where he was greeted by a crowd of twenty-thousand supporters in the streets of Chicago