The term black aviation describes a historical fact: For the first half-century of powered flight, blacks flew in segregated circumstances. The story of black aviation is one of breakthroughs against restrictions. First, such isolated pioneers as Bessie Coleman overcame the entrenched discrimination of the time. Coleman’s brief career as a stunt pilot inspired a generation of black youth. Even so, at the time of Lindbergh’s historic flight to Paris in 1927, only a few blacks had become aviators. Racial prejudice excluded most.

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In the 1930s African Americans formed flying clubs to promote aviation in the black community. The clubs made it possible for African Americans to participate in aviation: Their members trained pilots and mechanics and promoted aviation through publications, lectures, and even air “circuses.” These air shows drew the curious with promises of “aerial acrobatics, rolls, turns, spins, ribbon cutting, crazy flying.” In 1933 and 1934 the long-distance flights of C. Alfred Anderson and Dr. Albert E. Forsythe displayed both flyers’ skills while appealing for equality in aviation. In Los Angeles William J. Powell set up the Bessie Coleman Aero Club and wrote his visionary book Black Wings, which urged black youth to choose careers in aviation. In Chicago Cornelius R. Coffey established the Coffey School of Aeronautics, served as the first president of the National Airmen’s Association, and built an airstrip in an African American community. Both Powell and Coffey recognized that blacks would need technical skills to advance in aviation.

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Comments (0) Feb 04 2009

Shedding Light On Ourselves
Parts That Don’t Want To Heal

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In almost every case, we know what is best for us in our lives, from the relationships we create to the food we eat. Still, somewhat mysteriously, it is often difficult to make the right choices for ourselves. We find ourselves hanging out with someone who leaves us feeling drained or choosing to eat fast food over a salad. We go through phases where we stop doing yoga or taking vitamins, even though we feel so much better when we do. Often we have no idea why we continue to make the less enlightened choice, but it is important that we inquire into ourselves to find out.

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Comments (0) Jan 30 2009

A feeling of abundance may have enveloped your whole being, which could find you lending money and sharing your resources. Because you are feeling plentiful, you may want to express your gratitude to the universe by circulating the wealth. You can share it with those you love, or donate to an organization that you would like to support. You can give something back to those who helped you to reach this point, be it schools, communities, or just supportive individuals. It may bring you great joy to take a former teacher of yours a gift, or invite your mentor out for a meal. When you share your abundance, you invest it positively in the energy that makes your life fulfilling, while uplifting others as well.

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Comments (0) Jan 30 2009

You may feel protective or empathetic toward others. Perhaps you are becoming aware of ways that you can be of service to friends, loved ones, or strangers. You may be interested in extending your hand to an individual or a group in the spirit of compassion. If so, think about ways you can give of yourself or your resources. You are a strong and capable human being with a lot to offer others. Try to honor any desire you may have to help others, as your help will be much appreciated. The key is knowing that what you have to give has value and is a contribution that can impact the lives of others. Read More

Comments (0) Oct 02 2008