Bison- Howard University
In addition to Virginia State University, Hilton Murphy also attended Howard University. Howard University opened in 1867, two years after the end of the American Civil War. Howard’s mascot is the Bison, which first appeared in a 1923 yearbook, partly originating from the affectionate label ascribed by Native Americans to colored soldiers during the Civil War.
Hilton Dallas Murphy
Hilton Dallas Murphy was born on September 16, 1930, to parents Anna and John Lee Murphy Sr, the youngest of five children. After schooling at Calfee Training School, Christiansburg Institute, Virginia State College, and Howard University, Hilton entered the Air Force. In 1956, Hilton married Bettye White Murphy in Texas, and the couple had four children: Wanda Murphy, Derek Murphy, Kelly Corhen, and Lee H Murphy. This photo depicts Hilton in the USAF.
Click to watch video
1.534.54 MPH
According to his obituary, Hilton was “the first African-American military pilot to fly MACH II (twice the speed of sound) in the F106, Phase III, at Edwards AFB commanded by Col. Chuck Yeager.” The F106 “Delta Dart” took its first flight in 1956 and was retired to the Air Force Museum in 1986. This number, 1.534.54, symbolizes the miles per hour considered Mach II speed. Hilton’s remarkable contribution to Air Force history is widely represented on the quilt.
Tea Pot
Anna George Murphy was born on June 6, 1891, in Little Valley Ridge, Tazewell, Virginia. Anna worked as a private domestic worker, a common occupation for Black women across history. After the Civil War, large numbers of Black women found jobs as domestic workers. Their work was divided into three roles: cooking, washing, and housekeeping. These women often faced abuse in the workplace. Similar to enslaved women, these women resisted in more ways than one, such as boycotting, quitting, fleeing, theft, and confiding in each other about unfavorable employers. However, this resistance was not without its backlash from white employers who would pursue legal action. According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance, “Black women workers were at the forefront of the labor movement after the Civil War,” fighting for increased autonomy in their occupations. These women activated their own labor unions and alliances to advocate for better working conditions, fair contracts, and better hours. The push for better working conditions persisted for generations from the end of the Civil War to the present day. Anna endured the grueling demands of domestic work, and her sacrifice and hard work paved the way for her children to achieve greatness.
Trojan- Virginia State
Before his time in the military, Hilton Murphy attended Virginia State College, now known as Virginia State University. On March 6, 1882, the university was founded as “Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute.” It opened in 1883 for 126 students and seven faculty members. John Mercer Langston, a Virginia Congressman, served as the school’s first president. In 1930, the school was renamed to “Virginia State College for Negros,” then “Virginia State College” in 1946, and finally “Virginia State University” in 1976. In 1936, the University designated a Trojan as its mascot, which is depicted on the quilt to symbolize Hilton’s time at VSU.
Calfee Cultural Center Logo
Hilton Murphy attended Calfee Training School, where he demonstrated a dedication to his academics and school community. While attending Calfee, Hilton maintained excellent grades. The Southwest Times reported on his exemplary achievement, maintaining “good scholastic average, good attendance records, and good morals and healthy habits,” which is required for the honor roll. He achieved this honor several times throughout his career at Calfee. Additionally, Hilton was involved in extracurriculars including the “Our Gang” club and the 1944 school play “Little Clodhopper.” Hilton departed Calfee in 1944, leaving a lasting legacy as class president and an enthusiastic student.
Tiger- Christiansburg Institute
After attending Calfee Training School, Hilton Murphy continued his education at Christiansburg Industrial Institute in Montgomery County, Virginia. Christiansburg Institute was the only school available for Black high school students from Pulaski to attend at the time, partially due to the 1947 Corbin et al. v. County School Board of Pulaski County, in which Hilton was cited alongside his mother Anna. On November 15, 1946, Hilton and four other Pulaski natives, Mahatma Corbin, John McMickle, Andrew Holland, and Fred Bland, faced Covington High School in a “football contest” at Calfee Park. According to the Southwest Times, this contest brought together “two of the best colored elevens” in the area. The mascot of Christiansburg Institute was the golden tigers, which is stitched on the quilt to represent Hilton’s stint at the school.
Murphy Names on Lawsuit
"Hilton Murphy, an infant, by Anna G. Murphy, his mother and next friend,"
Anna G. Murphy signed on her son, Hilton Dallas Murphy, onto the 1947 Corbin et al. v. County School Board of Pulaski County court case to join the 22 other Black families of Pulaksi to fight for education equality amongst the schools for their children.
Bowl and Whisk
Anna George Murphy was born on June 6, 1891, in Little Valley Ridge, Tazewell, Virginia. Anna worked as a private domestic worker, a common occupation for Black women across history. After the Civil War, large numbers of Black women found jobs as domestic workers. Their work was divided into three roles: cooking, washing, and housekeeping. These women often faced abuse in the workplace. Similar to enslaved women, these women resisted in more ways than one, such as boycotting, quitting, fleeing, theft, and confiding in each other about unfavorable employers. However, this resistance was not without its backlash from white employers who would pursue legal action. According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance, “Black women workers were at the forefront of the labor movement after the Civil War,” fighting for increased autonomy in their occupations. These women activated their own labor unions and alliances to advocate for better working conditions, fair contracts, and better hours. The push for better working conditions persisted for generations from the end of the Civil War to the present day. Anna endured the grueling demands of domestic work, and her sacrifice and hard work paved the way for her children to achieve greatness.
Broom
Anna George Murphy was born on June 6, 1891, in Little Valley Ridge, Tazewell, Virginia. Anna worked as a private domestic worker, a common occupation for Black women across history. After the Civil War, large numbers of Black women found jobs as domestic workers. Their work was divided into three roles: cooking, washing, and housekeeping. These women often faced abuse in the workplace. Similar to enslaved women, these women resisted in more ways than one, such as boycotting, quitting, fleeing, theft, and confiding in each other about unfavorable employers. However, this resistance was not without its backlash from white employers who would pursue legal action. According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance, “Black women workers were at the forefront of the labor movement after the Civil War,” fighting for increased autonomy in their occupations. These women activated their own labor unions and alliances to advocate for better working conditions, fair contracts, and better hours. The push for better working conditions persisted for generations from the end of the Civil War to the present day. Anna endured the grueling demands of domestic work, and her sacrifice and hard work paved the way for her children to achieve greatness.
United States Air Force Logo
In November 1952, Hilton Murphy began aviation training in Waco, Texas. The following year, Hilton completed his jet pilot training in Delaware. In the United States Air Force, Hilton served his country as an accomplished jet fighter pilot. During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen became the first African American Army Air Forces pilots. These men broke racial barriers in the military as the AAF made special orders, despite policies of segregation, to advance their trainingin all-white training programs. In opposition to racist assumptions, the Tuskegee Airmen demonstrated the skill, courage, and determination needed to serve in the armed forces. They played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the eventual desegregation of the military. In 2007, Congress awarded the Tuskegee Airmen a Congressional Gold Medal for their military service. According to the Air Force Personnel Center, as of December 2024, only 16% of the Air Force is Black, and an even smaller percentage of pilots are Black.
In 2025, the Trump Administration removed statistics and history about Black pilots in the Air Force as part of their anti-DEI policies. This type of erasure of African American pilots in the Air Force emphasizes the importance of the 23/54 Project’s work. Towards the end of his career, Hilton became an Air Traffic Control Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Hilton proved well distinguished in several areas with his commitment to education and service.
Murphy Family
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Transcript
Bison- Howard University
In addition to Virginia State University, Hilton Murphy also attended Howard University. Howard University opened in 1867, two years after the end of the American Civil War. Howard’s mascot is the Bison, which first appeared in a 1923 yearbook, partly originating from the affectionate label ascribed by Native Americans to colored soldiers during the Civil War.
Hilton Dallas Murphy
Hilton Dallas Murphy was born on September 16, 1930, to parents Anna and John Lee Murphy Sr, the youngest of five children. After schooling at Calfee Training School, Christiansburg Institute, Virginia State College, and Howard University, Hilton entered the Air Force. In 1956, Hilton married Bettye White Murphy in Texas, and the couple had four children: Wanda Murphy, Derek Murphy, Kelly Corhen, and Lee H Murphy. This photo depicts Hilton in the USAF.
Click to watch video
1.534.54 MPH
According to his obituary, Hilton was “the first African-American military pilot to fly MACH II (twice the speed of sound) in the F106, Phase III, at Edwards AFB commanded by Col. Chuck Yeager.” The F106 “Delta Dart” took its first flight in 1956 and was retired to the Air Force Museum in 1986. This number, 1.534.54, symbolizes the miles per hour considered Mach II speed. Hilton’s remarkable contribution to Air Force history is widely represented on the quilt.
Tea Pot
Anna George Murphy was born on June 6, 1891, in Little Valley Ridge, Tazewell, Virginia. Anna worked as a private domestic worker, a common occupation for Black women across history. After the Civil War, large numbers of Black women found jobs as domestic workers. Their work was divided into three roles: cooking, washing, and housekeeping. These women often faced abuse in the workplace. Similar to enslaved women, these women resisted in more ways than one, such as boycotting, quitting, fleeing, theft, and confiding in each other about unfavorable employers. However, this resistance was not without its backlash from white employers who would pursue legal action. According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance, “Black women workers were at the forefront of the labor movement after the Civil War,” fighting for increased autonomy in their occupations. These women activated their own labor unions and alliances to advocate for better working conditions, fair contracts, and better hours. The push for better working conditions persisted for generations from the end of the Civil War to the present day. Anna endured the grueling demands of domestic work, and her sacrifice and hard work paved the way for her children to achieve greatness.
Trojan- Virginia State
Before his time in the military, Hilton Murphy attended Virginia State College, now known as Virginia State University. On March 6, 1882, the university was founded as “Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute.” It opened in 1883 for 126 students and seven faculty members. John Mercer Langston, a Virginia Congressman, served as the school’s first president. In 1930, the school was renamed to “Virginia State College for Negros,” then “Virginia State College” in 1946, and finally “Virginia State University” in 1976. In 1936, the University designated a Trojan as its mascot, which is depicted on the quilt to symbolize Hilton’s time at VSU.
Calfee Cultural Center Logo
Hilton Murphy attended Calfee Training School, where he demonstrated a dedication to his academics and school community. While attending Calfee, Hilton maintained excellent grades. The Southwest Times reported on his exemplary achievement, maintaining “good scholastic average, good attendance records, and good morals and healthy habits,” which is required for the honor roll. He achieved this honor several times throughout his career at Calfee. Additionally, Hilton was involved in extracurriculars including the “Our Gang” club and the 1944 school play “Little Clodhopper.” Hilton departed Calfee in 1944, leaving a lasting legacy as class president and an enthusiastic student.
Tiger- Christiansburg Institute
After attending Calfee Training School, Hilton Murphy continued his education at Christiansburg Industrial Institute in Montgomery County, Virginia. Christiansburg Institute was the only school available for Black high school students from Pulaski to attend at the time, partially due to the 1947 Corbin et al. v. County School Board of Pulaski County, in which Hilton was cited alongside his mother Anna. On November 15, 1946, Hilton and four other Pulaski natives, Mahatma Corbin, John McMickle, Andrew Holland, and Fred Bland, faced Covington High School in a “football contest” at Calfee Park. According to the Southwest Times, this contest brought together “two of the best colored elevens” in the area. The mascot of Christiansburg Institute was the golden tigers, which is stitched on the quilt to represent Hilton’s stint at the school.
Murphy Names on Lawsuit
"Hilton Murphy, an infant, by Anna G. Murphy, his mother and next friend,"
Anna G. Murphy signed on her son, Hilton Dallas Murphy, onto the 1947 Corbin et al. v. County School Board of Pulaski County court case to join the 22 other Black families of Pulaksi to fight for education equality amongst the schools for their children.
Bowl and Whisk
Anna George Murphy was born on June 6, 1891, in Little Valley Ridge, Tazewell, Virginia. Anna worked as a private domestic worker, a common occupation for Black women across history. After the Civil War, large numbers of Black women found jobs as domestic workers. Their work was divided into three roles: cooking, washing, and housekeeping. These women often faced abuse in the workplace. Similar to enslaved women, these women resisted in more ways than one, such as boycotting, quitting, fleeing, theft, and confiding in each other about unfavorable employers. However, this resistance was not without its backlash from white employers who would pursue legal action. According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance, “Black women workers were at the forefront of the labor movement after the Civil War,” fighting for increased autonomy in their occupations. These women activated their own labor unions and alliances to advocate for better working conditions, fair contracts, and better hours. The push for better working conditions persisted for generations from the end of the Civil War to the present day. Anna endured the grueling demands of domestic work, and her sacrifice and hard work paved the way for her children to achieve greatness.
Broom
Anna George Murphy was born on June 6, 1891, in Little Valley Ridge, Tazewell, Virginia. Anna worked as a private domestic worker, a common occupation for Black women across history. After the Civil War, large numbers of Black women found jobs as domestic workers. Their work was divided into three roles: cooking, washing, and housekeeping. These women often faced abuse in the workplace. Similar to enslaved women, these women resisted in more ways than one, such as boycotting, quitting, fleeing, theft, and confiding in each other about unfavorable employers. However, this resistance was not without its backlash from white employers who would pursue legal action. According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance, “Black women workers were at the forefront of the labor movement after the Civil War,” fighting for increased autonomy in their occupations. These women activated their own labor unions and alliances to advocate for better working conditions, fair contracts, and better hours. The push for better working conditions persisted for generations from the end of the Civil War to the present day. Anna endured the grueling demands of domestic work, and her sacrifice and hard work paved the way for her children to achieve greatness.
United States Air Force Logo
In November 1952, Hilton Murphy began aviation training in Waco, Texas. The following year, Hilton completed his jet pilot training in Delaware. In the United States Air Force, Hilton served his country as an accomplished jet fighter pilot. During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen became the first African American Army Air Forces pilots. These men broke racial barriers in the military as the AAF made special orders, despite policies of segregation, to advance their trainingin all-white training programs. In opposition to racist assumptions, the Tuskegee Airmen demonstrated the skill, courage, and determination needed to serve in the armed forces. They played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the eventual desegregation of the military. In 2007, Congress awarded the Tuskegee Airmen a Congressional Gold Medal for their military service. According to the Air Force Personnel Center, as of December 2024, only 16% of the Air Force is Black, and an even smaller percentage of pilots are Black.
In 2025, the Trump Administration removed statistics and history about Black pilots in the Air Force as part of their anti-DEI policies. This type of erasure of African American pilots in the Air Force emphasizes the importance of the 23/54 Project’s work. Towards the end of his career, Hilton became an Air Traffic Control Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Hilton proved well distinguished in several areas with his commitment to education and service.