Black Air Heroes – Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
by
John C Abercrombie
Following a group trip we had just returned from Washington, DC, the nation’s capital. Initially one of the sights that was high on my list of places to visit was the African American wing of the Smithsonian Museum, however the opening has been delayed but there are always other options.
The Smithsonian has an Air and Space Museum. The space dedicated to African Americans is small, typical of so many others that do not place a high value on the contributions of people of color. In this article, we will feature the limited resources and encourage all who visit to ask questions and ask for more displays of these important people.
Taking advantage of what is in the Museum, we will take a more detailed look at the people that are there, rather than focusing on the limited number and prominence.
Bessie Coleman – developed an interest in being a pilot at a young age, but faced the challenge of becoming one because of discrimination. During her lifetime, nobody in the United States would train a Black person to fly, let alone a Black woman. Undeterred, she learned that the French would train her. She earned money and learned the language and went to France to fulfill her dream. To see video documenting the success of Bessie Coleman, click Bessie Coleman, first female African American pilot.
Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman shows that it is possible to dazzle the world if you are determined and willing to put forth effort to make your dreams come true. Bessie Coleman has shown herself to be a great source of inspiration to many. The unsinkable Bessie Coleman
See video about a Black African American woman, born poor, but determined to live HER dream. Nothing can stop a determined person, no matter how difficult the dream may be. Click to see Bessie Coleman, a woman determined. Determination is the very essence of a person. Bessie Coleman – An American Hero.
See books on Bessie Coleman at the end of the article.
As we explore the positive influence of African Americans in the world of flight, pay particular attention to the fact to the value of knowledge of what we can accomplish and how it influences others to follow the steps of success. Bessie Coleman plays an important role in the achievements of others listed here.
William J Powell, Jr. – An early advocate for Blacks in all areas of aviation. He established a Bessie Coleman flying club and sponsored an All-Black Air Show. Read about a man dedicated to African American Pilots. Again the influence of Bessie Coleman is strong! Brief Bio of William J Powell, Jr.
James Herman Banning –the first African American to receive a US Department of Commerce Pilots License.
James Herman Banning and Thomas Cox Allen were the first Blacks to fly across the country. Freedom in the Air First sight of an Airplane Flying Hobos Lady Liberty
Cornelius Coffey established a flight school and was married to Willa Brown. Cornelius Coffey established a flight school that allowed African Americans to learn to fly. Willa Brown is a person of note in the world of flying in her own right.
We need your support! Below the informative videos (located below) are clickable links to books. Please use these links to check out valuable resources. You can review samples of the books, or in the case of those on audible, listen to a sample. Books are great gifts!
If you shop Amazon, please use these links to get there. it helps us continue to provide you with great content on http://amazingblackhistory.com/ (we receive a small rebate from your order without any cost to you) . Please share our site and this information.
Thank you!
John C Abercrombie
Amazing Black History
The following link will take you to some amazing values, however the items linked to this special link are for a limited time, but we update it frequently, so check it often!
Click here for special limited time savings
You will find an amazing assortment of books and special offers, followed some amazing videos.
Books on these amazing people
Books – Bessie Coleman
Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman
Instant Pot Ultra 8 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Cake Maker, Egg Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, Warmer, and Sterilizer
by Instant Pot
Bessie Coleman: Trailblazing Pilot (Rookie Biographies)
by Childrens Pr
URPOWER Garment Steamer 130ml Portable 7 in 1 Handheld Fabric Steamer Fast Heat-up Powerful Garment Clothes Steamer with High Capacity for Home and Travel, Travel Pouch Included- Not for Abroad
by URPOWER
Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman (Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books)
by Orchard Books
SE 8036TM-NEW 30” Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool with 15-lb. Pull Capacity
by SE
Nobody Owns the Sky: The Story of “Brave Bessie” Coleman
by Candlewick
Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers – Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Pillow – Best for Pregnancy, Hip, Leg, Knee, Back and Spine Alignment – Memory Foam Orthopedic Leg Pillow Wedge with Washable Cover + Free Bag
by Cushy Form
Books – William J Powell
Black Aviator: The Story of William J. Powell (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight Series)
by Smithsonian Institution Press
Ring Chime, A Wi-Fi-Enabled Speaker for Your Ring Video Doorbell
by Ring
Books – James Herman Banning – Short Biographies of several pioneering Black aviators.
African-American Aviators: Bessie Coleman, William J. Powell, James Herman Banning, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., General Daniel James, Jr. (Short Biographies)
by Capstone Press
EyeVac PRO Touchless Stationary Vacuum – 1400 Watts Professional Vacuum with Active Infrared Sensors, High Efficiency Filtration, Bag-Less Canister (Black)
Cornelius Coffey, Johnny C Robinson and Willa Brown – The Challenge Aero Club
The Challengers Aero Club
by Script & Post Script
NESCO FD-75A, Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator, Gray
by Nesco
Do not overlook this contributor to Black Aviation – Willa Brown
Willa Brown: & The Challengers
by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
SABRE 3-IN-1 Pepper Spray – Police Strength – Compact Size w/ Clip – Standalone Unit – Also Available w/ Optional SABRE Red Pepper Spray Practice Canister (Max Protection – 35 shots, up to 5x’s more)
by SABRE
Chauncey Spencer
Who Is Chauncey Spencer?
by Broadside Lotus Pr
Chauncey Spencer holds a firm place in American History. He learned to fly during the early 1930s, an era marked by blatant racism and strife. He became a stunt man with the National Airmen’s Association, and was instrumental in the inclusion of Blacks into the Army Air Corps.
General Benjamin O Davis, Jr
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.: American: An Autobiography
Affresh Washer Machine Cleaner, 6-Tablets, 8.4 oz
by Affresh
http://pioneersofflight.si.edu/content/cornelius-coffey
His story shows the value of exposing ourselves and our children to new ideas.
Cornelius Coffey was married to Willa Beatrice Brown famous in her own right. Cornelius Coffey
Chauncey Spencer championed the cause of African American pilots and together with Dale Lawrence White flew from Chicago to and met with Harry Truman future president of the United States and others from the legislature to demonstrate that African Americans were qualified and able to fly. Up to this point, it was debated whether African Americans were intellectually and mentally equipped to fly. The Military even prevented African Americans from flying because of the widely held but misguided belief about their ability.
Because the history of achievements and the lack of wide spread knowledge of our history we are held back on so many fronts. Knowledge is empowerment! Chauncey Spencer
The efforts of Chauncey Spencer helped convince Harry Truman of the ability of African Americans. This advanced the cause of the Tuskegee Airmen and the integration of the United States Military. Every achievement is important in its own right. Listen to Chauncey Spencer in his own words. Chauncey Spencer Speaks
We often look at those people who have succeeded as having been granted the position rather than having to forge their way. The struggle is the heart of success. Look at the story of Chauncey Spencer. The Story of Chauncey Spencer
Noel F Parrish – instrumental in the success of the Tuskegee Airmen, timeline. Very often we neglect to give Whites for their contribution to the advancement of African Americans. Parrish fought for the Tuskegee Airmen and was instrumental in their being allowed the opportunity to distinguish themselves in combat. Keep in mind that the struggle is not over because these men who fought so bravely and accomplished their duties with worldwide renown were denied the opportunity to fly commercially after the war because of the color of their skin.
While it may not seem outstanding to many, it took courage and conviction to stand up for the opportunity of Blacks to fight for the United States. A closer look at Noel F Parrish
In the following information, take note of the timeline with regard to the Tuskegee Airmen. Noel F Parrish Timeline
Benjamin O Davis, Jr. Legends of Airpower
Benjamin O Davis had to fight not only the enemy, but racism within his own country. As a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point he spent 4 years and none of the other cadets spoke him except for official business. Davis endured and succeeded. He was a sterling example that spoke volumes about the ability of African Americans to perform under the most difficult circumstances. If you have faith in yourself and a dedication to your dreams, you will succeed.
While the people and events noted above are remarkable, they set the stage for the following event. Note that these women were inspired by Bessie Coleman, the first person that we spoke of in the beginning of this articles.
The efforts of the people we have seen made the All-Black female flight crew possible and the influence of Bessie Coleman lives! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3EuN_TbXmM
The one thing that was most important to me was finding the bust of Eugene Bullard. The bust was there, but there was very little to indicate the importance of this man. He earned distinction in World War I as a skilled pilot. Yes, WWI. You wonder why you have never heard of him? He like Bessie Coleman found a degree of respect and equality from the French that was not existent in America. Eugene Bullard fought for the French!
“All Blood Runs Red”, the story of Eugene Jacques Bullard. Is an available book. Hear about it from the author. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3EuN_TbXmM
Roscoe Brown – famed Tuskegee Airman, to fly after visiting the Smithsonian at an early age. We find that great people often show that same deep commitment in other endeavors. Read about the great achievements of this man who spent 94 wonderful and productive years contributing to the betterment of not only his race, but to all of mankind. Roscoe C Brown Hear an interview with Roscoe C Brown. Interview with Roscoe Brown
Brenda Robinson – Charlotte, North Carolina
In our quest to find equality, it is often necessary to start by looking for outstanding models and sources of inspiration in our own neighborhoods. There are heroes in our midst, in our families and among our friends. We all have abilities beyond our wildest dreams and this is also preached to us in “A person
without vision (dreams) will perish.” Dreams are what fuels our future. We must be dreamers in order to become achievers!
In Charlotte, North Carolina we find Brenda Robinson, the first African American female pilot in the United States Navy. She also was a commercial first officer for American Airlines. All because of her commitment to achievement and attitude.Robinson Brenda – First Black female USN pilot Brenda Robinson’s web site and contact information
As great as the people and achievements are that have been discussed here, we often disregard the obvious. With history, we overlook those close to us either geographically or even family members. The following link takes us to information about a person from Spartanburg County. A native of Chesnee, Steven Twitty was recently promoted to 3 Star General in the United States Army.
There have to be people in our midst who know this man of great accomplishment or even members of his family. Have had interaction with him.
Let us take a look at the article that recently appeared in our local newspaper Spartanburg County Native – 3 star general Steven Twitty
Please send any information that you may have that may be appropriate to the subject to johncabercrombie@gmail.com
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.