Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History

by Von Hardesty

Colin Powell once observed that "a dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work." This sentiment is mirrored dramatically in the story of African Americans in aerospace history. The invention of the airplane in the first decade of the twentieth century sparked a revolution in modern technology. Aviation in the popular mind became associated with adventure and heroism. For African Americans, however, this new realm of human flight remained off-limits, a consequence of racial discrimination. Many African Americans displayed a keen interest in the new air age, but found themselves routinely barred from gaining training as pilots or mechanics. Beginning in the 1920s, a small and widely scattered group of black air enthusiasts challenged this prevailing pattern of racial discrimination. With no small amount of effort—and against formidable odds—they gained their pilot licenses and acquired the technical skills to become aircraft mechanics. Over the course of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first, African Americans have expanded their participation in both military and civilian aviation and space flight, from the early pioneers and barnstormers through the Tuskegee airmen to Shuttle astronauts. Featuring approximately two hundred historic and contemporary photographs and a lively narrative that spans eight decades of U.S. history, Black Wings offers a compelling overview of this extraordinary and inspiring saga.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Aviation, Space, Aviation History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 22, 2008

About the author

Von Hardesty is currently a curator in the Division of Aeronautics at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. He has written a number of books, and lives in the metropolitan D.C. area.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was in time in this country when it was thought that Black males were incapable of doing______. Fill in the blank; flight, fly an airplane, command an Army regiment. In 1981-82, the National Air and Space Museum developed an exhibit called Black Wings, to honor the Afro-American pioneers who were involved in the early days aviation. Particular attention was paid to the men who learned to fly at Tuskegee Institute and flew in segregated fighter and bomber wings during World War II. At time of the publication of the exhibit booklet, Col. Guy Bluford became the first Afro-American to travel into orbit in August of 1983. The editor later expanded the booklet into a book. It is an excellent collection of photos and stories that has been updated to the present day.

[Lizabeth Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an overview of some of the pioneers of flight who were black. Many of these pioneers had to fight to get their pilot licenses, much less make a living in aviation. White Americans didn't actually believe that most blacks could handle flight or the intense training and education required.

This collection of stories recites the history of African Americans in aviation, men AND women, a group that still struggles for inclusion in commercial aviation and as test pilots. Readers will discover names and histories new to them. This is a companion piece to the Black Wings Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. There is also a short film available on YouTube.

The book starts with Barnstormer Bessie Coleman and ends with the astronaut program. Throughout we see the legalized racial discrimination of Jim Crow growing at the same time as the birth of aviation. This is an enjoyable and entertaining book, but unfortunately it is too short to give the people discussed within the full treatment they deserve. I would highly recommend searching for more specific histories and biographies to see all the nuances missed here. Still worth reading, especially for the photographs. 4 out of 5.

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting introduction to the topic. The part that amazed me most was the interest in flying, the creation of flying clubs, etc. by African Americans in the 190-30s. Considering all the difficulties they often faced, these highlighted individuals persevered and succeeded in many ways. Some even traveled to France to receive flight training when it was unavailable to them in the U.S. at the time! Their actions enabled others to follow in their footsteps, even in to space!

Inspirational. Many pictures are also included.

[Theophilus (Theo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exposes the hidden history of African Americans love of and participation in aviation. Bebunks the historical notion that blacks did not have the intellect nor the mechanical aptitude to fly or work on aircraft. Wonderfully tells the story of black pioneers in aviation from barnstorming, to their own flying clubs and schools, to inventions and innovations, to war, and into the space age. Left me wanting to find out more.

[Mark Moxley-Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of Black aviators, from the beginnings to the present. Many photos, most I'd never seen before. Goes into great detail about early aviation, Tuskegee, and the space program. You'll recognize some of these heroes, but many were new to me and were brought to life with quotes and photos.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nicely organized telling of African Americans in aviation history. Very easy to follow.

[Cathy Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another example of what you don’t learn about in school! Excellent material, greatly informative. Read it, photos are amazing as well. Knowledge is important. Show this to your kids!!!

[MrsEnginerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very informative and historically accurate book contains a brief history of African Americans in aviation. From the struggles of the pioneers like Bessie Coleman, who had to train and apply for her license in France, to modern astronauts, the book highlights those moments in history that furthered the cause and the unsung heroes that represented the community.

Pair the contents with the traveling exhibition and it will come alive.