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Black History Month: Celebrating African American Aviators

african american pilots
February 17, 2023
Black History Month: Celebrating African American Aviators

February is Black History Month, and it's a great time to celebrate African Americans' extraordinary contributions to American society - including in aviation. From pioneering aviator Eugene Jacques Bullard to the legendary Bessie Coleman, these aviators have made a lasting imprint on the history of aviation. Here's a look at five African American aviators who have made history.

Eugene Jacques Bullard

Eugene Jacques Bullard was the first African American military pilot. He was born in 1895 in Columbus, Georgia, and was forced to flee to Europe during his teenage years due to the racial violence he faced in the United States. Eventually, Eugene joined the French Foreign Legion, becoming the first African American to do so, and fought in World War I. After the war, he became a licensed pilot and flew for the French Air Force during World War II.

Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman to become a licensed pilot. She was born in 1892 in Texas and, like Bullard, faced incredible racism throughout her childhood and adulthood. She received her pilot's license in 1921 and went on to develop her career as an airshow pilot. Bessie become a well-known stunt pilot and an advocate for the civil rights of African Americans, before tragically dying during a test flight in 1926.

The Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen, who served from 1940 to 1948 and were led by Alfred Anderson, were the first African American military pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Tuskegee Airmen served in World War II when the military was still segregated and faced discrimination on and off the field of battle.

They received distinguished honors for their valiant efforts in 1945 when they successfully executed attack missions while escorting heavy bomber aircraft and contributed to the military's desegregation.

John C. Robinson

John C. Robinson was an American pilot who pioneered the training of African Americans as aviators in the United States, earning the nickname "Brown Condor" for his service leading the Ethiopian air force in a war against Italy. He also convinced officials at Tuskegee University to establish an aviation program, which produced the Tuskegee Airmen and earned him the nickname "Father of the Tuskegee Airmen." After graduating from Tuskegee in 1923, he settled in Chicago and later taught aviation before returning to Ethiopia to train their air force pilots in 1935 and later helping establish Ethiopian Airlines. Robinson tragically died in 1954 in a plane crash in Ethiopia.

Willa Brown

Willa Brown was an inspiring African American aviator and a pioneer for women in the industry. Born in 1906 in Kentucky, she was the first African American to receive her commercial pilot's license. Willa was also the first African American to receive a commission as a Civil Air Patrol lieutenant. At age 33, she founded the Cornelius R. Coffey School of Aeronautics in Chicago - the first U.S. government-approved aviation school for African Americans. Brown was an influential civil rights advocate and devoted her life to promoting opportunities for African Americans in aviation. She was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing her immense contributions.

These five remarkable African American aviators have left an indelible mark on the history of aviation. They have broken barriers and inspired countless people - showing the power of courage and determination. They are an inspiration to all and a reminder that their presence enriches the history of aviation.

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