Willa Beatrice Brown (1906–1992) was a pioneering Black American pilot and educator who broke barriers in aviation and fought against racial and gender discrimination. Born in Indiana, Brown became the first Black American woman to earn a commercial pilot's license in the United States in 1937.
Throughout her career, Brown advocated for greater opportunities for Black Americans and women in aviation. She co-founded the National Airmen's Association of America, which later merged with the Tuskegee Airmen.
During World War II, Brown worked as a civilian flight instructor for the Tuskegee Airmen, training the first Black American military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Her dedication and leadership were instrumental in the success of the Tuskegee Airmen, who became renowned for their skill and bravery in combat.
After the war, Brown continued to promote aviation and higher learning, becoming the first Black American woman to run for Congress in Illinois.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Willa Beatrice Brown