Celebrating Black History Month at the Royal Aeronautical Society

The Royal Aeronautical Society is excited to celebrate Black History Month, honouring the remarkable contributions of Black individuals in the aerospace, aviation and space. To kick off this month, we highlight inspiring trailblazers whose achievements have not only shaped the field but have also paved the way for future generations.

Lilian Badder
Lilian Badder was one of the first Black women to serve in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After facing unemployment, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and became one of the first women to serve as an instrument repairer. Despite the challenges she faced due to her heritage, Badder’s dedication to her work contributed to the war effort and paved the way for future generations of women in military aviation.

Trevor Edwards
Trevor Edwards began his career in the Royal Air Force, where he received flight training as part of a unique program that allowed him to teach others while earning his wings. He became a Jaguar pilot in 1987 and later transitioned to British Airways, where he continues to inspire others with his journey. Edwards’s story reflects the possibilities available to those who pursue their dreams in aviation, regardless of their background.

Cy Grant
Born in Guyana, Cy Grant served as a navigator in the RAF during World War II, flying missions on Avro Lancaster bombers. After being captured during the Battle of the Ruhr, he spent time as a prisoner of war before being liberated in 1945. Following the war, Grant became a successful entertainer and was one of the first Black actors featured regularly on British television. He established the Drum Arts Centre to provide a platform for Black artists, fostering creativity and representation in the arts.

Dr. Onalenna Nako-Phuthego
At just 31, Dr. Onalenna Nako-Phuthego has made history as the first Botswana and first African woman to earn a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Medicine. Starting her journey as the first female doctor in Botswana’s armed forces, she recognised the need for expertise in this field and self-funded her education at King’s College London, where she collaborated with the Royal Air Force. Dr. Nako-Phuthego’s resilience and determination have opened doors for future generations of African doctors in aviation and space medicine, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become reality.

Mary Jackson
Mary Winston Jackson was a groundbreaking figure at NASA, becoming the organisation’s first Black female engineer. Overcoming racial and gender barriers, she significantly contributed to aerodynamics and engineering research, working on projects that improved aircraft safety and performance. In 1979, Jackson became an advocate for women in STEM, helping to create programs that supported female engineers and scientists. Her legacy inspires countless individuals to pursue careers in aerospace, proving that perseverance and passion can lead to monumental achievements.

In 2021, the Royal Aeronautical Society introduced The Mary Jackson Named Lecture to honour her significant contributions to the industry. Each year, the RAeS celebrates her legacy by highlighting a person of colour in the field. This lecture is jointly sponsored by the Society’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Bessie Coleman
An American aviator born in Texas; Bessie Coleman made history as the first black woman to obtain an international pilot’s license in 1921. Despite facing significant racial discrimination, she moved to France to attend aviation school, where her passion for flying flourished. Upon returning to the U.S., Coleman became a renowned stunt pilot, performing daring aerial feats at air shows across the country. She also worked tirelessly to raise funds to establish a school for Black aviators in the U.S, believing in the importance of providing opportunities for others in aviation. Her legacy continues to inspire women and black people, in aviation.

Charles Bolden
Charles Bolden is a trailblazer in space exploration, serving as NASA’s first black Administrator. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served as a Marine Corps officer and flew more than 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War. In 1980, Bolden was selected as a NASA astronaut, where he completed four spaceflights, including the historic deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope on STS-31. After his tenure as an astronaut, he was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2009 to lead NASA, advocating for diversity in the agency. Bolden has received numerous honours for his contributions to space exploration and remains a prominent voice for the advancement of minority participation in STEM fields.

Marcelite J. Harris
Marcelite J. Harris broke barriers as the first Black woman to achieve the rank of major general in the U.S. military. After graduating from Spelman College in 1964, she enlisted in the Air Force, where she rose through the ranks to become the first female aircraft maintenance officer. Harris played a crucial role in the integration of women into the military and served as a commander at the Air Force Academy. In addition to her military achievements, she worked as a White House social aide under Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Her legacy continues to inspire women and minorities in military and aviation careers.

Guion S. Bluford Jr.
A decorated Air Force pilot who served in Vietnam, Guion Bluford made history in 1983 as the first Black man to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Bluford participated in four space missions during his NASA career, accumulating 688 hours in space. He later held leadership roles in several aerospace organizations, including NYMA Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation. Bluford’s groundbreaking achievements and dedication to mentorship have paved the way for future generations of minority astronauts and aerospace professionals.

Janet Harmon Bragg
Janet Harmon Bragg was a pioneer in aviation, becoming one of the first Black female aviators and the first to hold a commercial pilot’s license. After earning her nursing degree at Spelman College, she pursued aviation despite facing significant obstacles, including being denied entry into the WASP program during World War II due to her ethnicity. Bragg eventually enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program at Tuskegee Institute, earning her commercial pilot’s license after overcoming various barriers. Her determination and achievements continue to inspire aspiring aviators.

David E. Harris
David Harris made history as the first Black commercial airline pilot in the U.S., joining American Airlines in 1964 after serving as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. His groundbreaking hire opened doors for countless Black pilots, and he became a dedicated mentor to young African Americans aspiring to fly. Harris’s contributions to the aviation industry and his commitment to mentoring the next generation have had a lasting impact on diversity within commercial aviation.

As we celebrate these incredible figures this Black History Month, let us remember their contributions and the paths they have forged for future generations in the aerospace, aviation and space industries. Their stories remind us of the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of aviation and aerospace.

To find out more about the RAeS ED&I strategy and activities please visit www.aerosociety.com/diversity

 

 

RAeS Equity, Diversity & Inclusion team




7 October 2024