Friday, March 20, 2009

Bessie Coleman is Smiling and So Am I




Bessie Coleman has to be smiling as history was made as a domestic US flight was staffed for the first time by an all female African American flight crew. Captain Rachelle Jones, First Officer Stephanie Grant, and flight attendants Diana Galloway and Robin Rogers flew into history as they commanded Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight 5202 in February of 2009. As an African American; aviation enthusiast; and former New Jersey Air National Guard Jet Engine Mechanic (108th TFW/ARW) my heartfelt congratulations goes out to these four history making women. Just as we have seen with the election of President Barack Obama, there are truly no more excuses for African Americans in terms of what they can or cannot achieve. Rachelle, Stephanie, Diana and Robin.....You Go Girls!!!!

3 comments:

Denrique said...

This is wonderful! It’s funny, during Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger’s press conference—after his miraculously safe landing of US Air Flight 1549 out of LaGuardia Airport into the Hudson River—he was concerned that there seems to be a lack of interest in his career choice. He indicated that, because of the financial struggles the airline industry have been enduring for the past few years, many folks are now shying away from aviation. And, he was very worried that Pilots could lose the admiration and sophistication they once held with the general public.

Well, I can only hope that this all female crew is an inspiration to many folks out there and would continue to channel them toward such a well respected career.

Marc A. Medley said...

That crew is certainly an inspiration to me. As a former jet engine mechanic for 108th Tactical/Air Refueling Wings of the New Jersey Air National Guard, I have worked with many flight crews. They have all been males. As a father of two daughters, it was truly inspiring to see these women taking to the air. This once again confirms that we can truly do whatever we would like to do. These women are pioneers like you Denrique. Keep up the great work.

Anonymous said...

Denrique, maybe the reason we don't have more African American flight crews/success stories is because we have school administrators who allow students to get away with acting out in class.