Aqueduct Walk

Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. was a decorated Air Force Veteran and member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen who served during World War II. Following his service, he became a prominent academic figure in New York City.

Brown was born in Washington, D.C. on March 9, 1922. After graduating from Springfield College in 1943, he joined the Air Force, where he became one of the Tuskegee Airmen—an all-African American fighter group known for their tremendous successes during the war. Brown flew in 68 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and bravery. He and the other surviving Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 for their service.

Following his military service, Brown completed his Master’s degree in 1949 and a Ph.D. in 1951, both from New York University. He continued his life of service and civil rights advocacy with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Libraries for the Future, and the National Park Service. He was also a founding member and president of 100 Black Men. Dr. Brown became president of Bronx Community College in 1977, where he held the post for sixteen years. He passed away on July 2, 2016 at the age of 94. This section of Aqueduct Walk, located between 181st Street and West Burnside Avenue, was named in his honor in 2018.