Connecting Communities

A4A Celebrates Black History Month

February 03, 2026

During Black History Month, Airlines for America (A4A) is proud to highlight some of the Black pioneers in the aviation industry who have helped break barriers in aviation and serve as inspirations for generations to come.

Charles Alfred “Chief” Anderson

Known as the father of Black aviation, Chief Anderson became the first African American to earn a transport pilot license in 1932. The Tuskegee Institute hired Anderson in 1940 as its chief flight instructor and worked to develop its pilot training program. Anderson is renowned for piloting a flight at Tuskegee with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as his passenger. According to the National Air and Space Museum, just two months after the First Lady’s visit, the Army would go on to begin accepting Black pilots into segregated units and Anderson was selected to be Tuskegee’s Ground Commander and Chief Instructor.

Janet Bragg

After several setbacks and much discrimination, Janet Bragg obtained her commercial pilots license in 1942, making her the first African American woman to do so. Bragg’s journey began at Curtiss-Wright Aeronautical University in Chicago, where she was the sole woman in her class of 24 men. While at school, she cofounded the Challenger Air Pilots Association which helped connect people interested in aviation. After graduation, Bragg tried to apply to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) organization but was rejected because of her race. Bragg then tried to get her commercial pilot’s license but was denied because of her gender. After trying again to secure her commercial pilot’s license in Chicago, Bragg finally got her license, paving the way for other African American woman after her.

Bessie Coleman

Born in 1892, Texas native Bessie Coleman was initially unable to obtain a pilot’s license because of racial discrimination. Not letting this deter her, Coleman went to flight school in France and earned her pilot’s license making her the first African American woman to have the certification. Popularly known as “Queen Bess” and “Brave Bessie,” Coleman’s dream was to open a flight school. She used her skills to be a stunt pilot and raised money to start a school for aspiring African American pilots. While that dream was not realized before her death in 1926, her impact is felt today as she continues to inspire Black women to take flight.

Lucean Headen

Lucean Headen was a prolific inventor during the early 1900s, responsible for creating critical de-icing techniques that ensure flight safety during inclement weather. Headen took flying lessons at the Aeronautical Society in New York and performed several exhibition flights throughout the Midwest. The North Carolina native went on to receive eleven patents, some of which are still cited today by major companies.

Oscar Holmes

Oscar Holmes broke through several barriers as an aviator. Holmes became the first African American air traffic controller in 1941 and later served as the first Black naval aviator. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Holmes “never set out to be pioneer,” saying he “wanted to find a career that let him enjoy his passion – aviation.” Holmes’ legacy can be felt today, and his story has inspired many to pursue careers in aviation.

Eleanor Williams

Eleanor Williams was the first Black female air traffic controller and established the Anchorage chapter of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women. Williams went on to teach others to be air traffic controllers in Anchorage, Alaska, before becoming a supervisor in several places including San Juan, Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and Cleveland. Congress highlighted her during Black History Month in 1995, and she was inducted into the Black Aviation Hall of Fame in 2001.

These individuals, among many others, have paved the way for Black Americans and the aviation community at large. A4A is grateful for these pioneers in the industry and is honored to recognize them during Black History Month.

To read about more Black Americans who have been pioneers in aviation, please visit the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s webpage: https://airandspace.si.edu/.