OBAP - Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ Post

Check out this post about the continued milestones women continue to achieve during Women's History month.

Learn about these Black history makers who broke barriers in the skies. Check out this article to learn about ten Black pioneers in aviation. #BlackHistoryMonth #Aviation Learn more: https://bit.ly/47U9R0b

At Inspired Solutions, a Black-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned business, we proudly celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the remarkable achievements of African Americans who have broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations. Today, we focus on the inspiring stories of 10 Black pioneers in aviation who defied racial limitations and soared to new heights. From Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman and Native American pilot, to Dr. Evelyn Knight, the first Black woman commercial airline pilot in the US, these individuals faced immense challenges but persevered with unwavering courage and determination. Their stories are a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing dreams regardless of obstacles. As we celebrate their achievements, we also recognize the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in every field, including aviation. Let's use this month as an opportunity to learn from these pioneers, amplify their voices, and continue working towards a future where opportunity truly knows no bounds. Read their inspiring stories here: 10 Black Pioneers in Aviation Who Broke Barriers: https://lnkd.in/edqArgTR #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #Aviation #DiversityMatters #InspiredSolutions

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Engineering Trailblazers 🌟   This Black History Month, let's highlight the remarkable contributions of Black individuals in civil engineering:   🛩️ Tuskegee Airmen: Aviation Pioneers 🛩️ The Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators, not only soared in the skies but also made significant strides in aviation engineering. Their expertise and dedication broke barriers and paved the way for diversity in aerospace engineering.   🏙️ Benjamin Banneker: Surveying Visionary 🏙️ Benjamin Banneker's meticulous surveying and city planning laid the groundwork for the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. His innovative approaches and mathematical prowess shaped the landscape of civil engineering.   🚂 Granville Woods: Railroad Innovator 🚂 Granville Woods, an African American inventor and engineer, revolutionized railroad safety with his inventions. His work on railway communication systems and improvements in train technology have left an enduring impact on transportation engineering.   As we honor these, and many other innovative engineers, let's continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion in civil engineering, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityinEngineering #CivilEngineering #BuildingTomorrowToday #OrionExceeds #Innovation

February 9, 2024 BPIAA Counterpoint | Crying Wolf About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Aviation The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 92.4% of Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers with 3.6% being Black in this notable occupation! What is absent though is federal Air Traffic Control Specialists (2152), Airways Technicians (2101), and Aviation Safety Inspectors (1825)! Why? Because those numbers are egregious and embarrassing and would show the public the ever present “systemic and institutional racial intolerance” inherent in the Federal Aviation Administration! Furthermore, these numbers and the hidden numbers from FAA evidence that DEI conversations and initiatives remain pretentious and pernicious! The consistent underrepresentation of all minority groups in the aviation sector, private and federal, remains the reality because of a refusal to embrace civil rights, equal employment opportunities, and refusal to shed those patterns and practices of unlawful discrimination and those unlawful employment practices that keeps “all minority groups” relegated to the back of the Bus! Equal opportunity is the law of the land! Salute Black History Month 🇺🇸

While I firmly believe that Black history and culture deserve recognition and celebration every single day of the year, I embrace February’s designation as Black History Month as a special opportunity to honor and reflect on the legacies and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. One individual I’d like to highlight is my uncle, LTC Alva Newte Temple, an officer in the U.S. Army Air Force and a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group’s 99th Fighter Squadron and 300th Squadron, famously known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Alva came from humble beginnings, picking cotton to support his family before obtaining a degree in Agricultural Education from Alabama A&M University. In 1943, LTC Alva Newte Temple joined the U.S. Army Air Force, despite racial barriers and a segregated military. By doing so, he contributed to breaking down segregation within the military. His leadership, skill, dedication, and commitment were highlighted in the 1949 “Top Gun” team competition, where his team placed first. During World War II, Alva completed 120 missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. While stories like these inspire me and reinforce the belief that extraordinary achievements are possible, it’s crucial to recognize that they don’t unfold in a vacuum. Each triumph carries the weight of overcoming systemic barriers, which can vary widely in their impact on individuals based on their circumstances and contexts. Acknowledging these barriers does not diminish the remarkable determination and resilience shown by individuals who succeed despite them; rather, it highlights the extraordinary nature of their achievements. Success is not solely a product of personal effort; it often requires navigating through, and sometimes altering, the landscape of systemic challenges. While we celebrate individual victories, we must also commit to supporting systemic change that makes these successes not exceptional stories of overcoming, but normal outcomes of a just and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/gNHf_9eW

As we commemorate Black History Month, it is an honor to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose legacy continues to inspire and shape the fabric of our nation.   The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. They demonstrated unparalleled skill and bravery throughout 15,000+ missions and paved the way for diversity and inclusion. Their dedication to performing with excellence shattered barriers and reshaped the narrative of what was possible. The following quote from Tuskegee Airman Roscoe Brown perfectly outlines the mindset of these extraordinary airmen:   "Excellence will overcome obstacles. Excellence was our mantra.”   Their legacy stands to this day. The Alabama Air National Guard 187th Fighter Wing’s first F-35A Lightning II has a commemorative red tail, honoring the same red tail that the Tuskegee Airmen applied to their aircraft.   At Lockheed Martin, we recognize the profound impact of these trailblazers and the importance of fostering diversity in the workplace. Embracing all perspectives, backgrounds and experiences not only enriches our culture but also fuels innovation and strengthens our ability to tackle complex challenges.   This Black History Month, let us honor the Tuskegee Airmen and everyone who has contributed to advancing diversity in the aerospace and defense industry. Their legacy serves as a reminder that by fostering inclusivity, we ensure a brighter, more secure future for our nation and allies.

Here are my updated headshots that I took at the OBAP - Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Conference this year!

A few months back, we chatted with Matt Humphries, Vice President, Investor Relations at BlackLine, to learn about his work, the important skills he's developed in the military and corporate worlds, and everything else that makes up his life at BlackLine. Read the latest edition of Life at BlackLine: https://bit.ly/3Mij5vk

Happy Veterans Day! My mission as an educator and social entrepreneur revolves around preserving, protecting, and promoting authentic Black history, showcasing the exemplary contributions of Black Americans to the United States and the world. On this Veterans Day, I take the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the Black American men and women who served in the United States armed forces. As highlighted by Black historian Dr. L. D. Reddick, it is intriguing that at the onset of every major U.S. war, Blacks were initially not sought for combat. However, as the wars progressed, they were inevitably called upon to contribute to achieving victory. It's equally intriguing to note that the moral justifications America fought for were often denied to Black Americans on the home front. Despite fighting abroad for freedom, democracy, and justice, they faced denial of these very ideals in their own country. Today, as we honor Veterans Day, we specifically celebrate the Black American soldiers who, despite being denied the opportunity to fully embrace their American identity, practiced and understood the efficacy of American ideals, beliefs, and values. Dr. R. Faisal #veteransday2023 #blackhistory #culturalintelligence