A powerful new piece of Decatur history now stands at Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School as part of the Macon County African American Heritage Trail. 

Created by renowned artist and Decatur native Preston Jackson, this sculpture honors the life and legacy of Ellsworth Dansby Jr. who served in WWII as the first U.S. Air Corps Master Sergeant and chief mechanic of the African American fighter squadron known as the Tuskegee Airmen. 

We are grateful to Preston for bringing “Junior” Dansby’s story to life through his extraordinary artistry and to philanthropist Jack McCoy, whose generosity made this lasting tribute possible.

This statue is more than a work of art. It ensures that generations of students will see, learn and remember the legacy of a man who helped shape education and opportunity in our community.

The statue joins a historical trail marker on the school’s playground detailing the life and contributions of the Dansby family, giving students and community members another opportunity to discover and remember this important part of Decatur’s history.

Another important story, no longer untold.