Celebrating Black History Month at the Royal Aeronautical Society

The Royal Aeronautical Society is delighted to celebrate Black History Month, honoring the extraordinary contributions of black people to the aerospace industry. To kick off this month, we’re highlighting inspiring pioneers whose achievements have not only shaped the field, but also paved the way for future generations.

Lillian 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 with her legacy, Badder’s commitment to 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 completed flying training through a unique program that allowed him to teach others while earning his wings. In 1987, he became a Jaguar pilot and later moved to British Airways, where he continues to inspire others with his journey. Edwards’ story reflects the opportunities 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 in Avro Lancaster bombers. After being captured during the Battle of the Ruhr, he spent some time as a prisoner of war before being liberated in 1945. After the war, Grant became a successful entertainer and was one of the first black actors to appear regularly on British television. He founded the Drum Arts Center to provide a platform for Black artists, supporting creativity and representation in the arts.

Doctor Onalenna Nako-Phuthego
At just 31 years old, Dr. Onalenna Nako-Phuthego made history as the first Botswana and first African woman to obtain a Master’s degree in Aerospace Medicine. Beginning her career as the first female doctor in the Botswana Armed Forces, she recognized the need for specialist knowledge in this field and self-funded her education at King’s College London, where she worked with the Royal Air Force. Dr. Nako-Phuthe’s resilience and determination opened the door to future generations of African aerospace physicians, showing that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become a reality.

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

In 2021, the Royal Aeronautical Society presented the Mary Jackson Memorial Lecture to honor her significant contribution to the industry. Each year, RAeS celebrates its legacy by recognizing a person of color in the field. This lecture is jointly sponsored by the Commission on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Diversity and Inclusion Working Group.

Bessie Coleman
American aviator born in Texas; Bessie Coleman made history as the first black woman to obtain an international pilot’s license in 1921. Despite significant racial discrimination, she moved to France to attend flight school, where her passion for flying blossomed. After returning to the United States, Coleman became a famous 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 was a pioneer in space exploration, serving as the first black administrator of NASA. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, served as a Marine Corps officer and flew over 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War. In 1980, Bolden was selected as a NASA astronaut, during which he completed four spaceflights, including the historic deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope to STS-31. After ending his career as an astronaut, he was nominated by President Barack Obama to head NASA in 2009, advocating for diversity in the agency. Bolden has received numerous honors for his contributions to space exploration and remains a prominent voice for increasing minority participation in STEM fields.

Marcelina J. Harris
Marcelite J. Harris broke barriers as the first black woman to achieve the rank of major general in the U.S. Army. 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 key role in integrating women into the military and served as a commander at the Air Force Academy. In addition to her military achievements, she served as White House social adviser under Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Her legacy continues to inspire women and minorities in military and aviation careers.

Guion S. Bluford Jr.
Guion Bluford, a decorated Air Force pilot who served in Vietnam, made history in 1983 as the first black man to fly into space aboard the space shuttle Challenger. Bluford flew on four space missions during his NASA career, spending 688 hours in space. He later held leadership positions in several aerospace organizations, including NYMA Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation. Bluford’s groundbreaking achievements and commitment to mentorship paved the way for future generations of minority astronauts and aerospace professionals.

Janet Harmon Bragg
Janet Harmon Bragg was an aviation pioneer, becoming one of the first black female pilots and the first to hold a commercial pilot’s license. After earning her nursing degree from Spelman College, she continued her education in aviation despite significant obstacles, including being denied admission 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 Airmen.

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

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

To learn more about RAeS ED&I strategies and activities, visit www.aerosociety.com/diversity

RAeS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team



October 7, 2024