African American Pioneers in Flight and Space

Tuesday, February 01, 2022 at 01:18 PM ET

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In 1941, the U.S. Army Air Forces formed the 99th Pursuit Squadron, a flying unit of Black pilots better known as the Tuskegee Airmen. [Courtesy: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution]

Key Takeaways:

Early African American aviation pioneers like Eugene Bullard and Bessie Coleman overcame significant racial barriers, often by seeking training abroad or establishing their own flight institutions, to achieve historic firsts in flight.
The Tuskegee Airmen broke ground in military aviation during WWII, achieving an impressive combat record, while figures like Cornelius Coffey and Willa Brown were instrumental in expanding pilot training opportunities for African Americans.
In space exploration, African Americans achieved critical milestones, including Robert Lawrence's selection as the first Black astronaut, Guion Bluford becoming the first Black man in space, Mae C. Jemison the first Black woman, and the "Hidden Figures" providing essential mathematical contributions to early space missions.

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Editor’s Note: This article is part of a month-long series celebrating Black History Month through aviation: Feb. 1: African American Pioneers in Flight and Space | Feb. 4: Legacy Flying Academy | Feb. 10: Why Aren’t There More Black Pilots in the Air Force? | Feb. 11: Jesse L. Brown | Feb. 15: Meet Four African Americans Making a Difference in Aviation | Feb. 18: From “Hidden Figures” to “Artemis” | Feb. 22: CMSAF Kaleth O. Wright | Feb. 25: Cal Poly Humboldt

This month, FLYING is marking Black History Month by celebrating the many accomplishments African Americans have contributed to aviation and space flight. Today we are exploring some of the top pioneers in U.S. aviation history whose experiences have created a legacy that continues to inspire a new generation of pilots, astronauts and engineers.