Powell, William J. (aviator)

1897-1942 · Contribution: 1929-1931

Transportation

Founded the Bessie Coleman Aero Club and organized the first all-Black air show in U.S. history

Transportation: collage image
Transportation

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Quick facts

Born
1897-1942
Active since
1929-1931
Category
Transportation

Impact on the world

Powell built the institutions, spectacle, and literature that promoted 'air-mindedness' among Black Americans, laying cultural groundwork for the Tuskegee Airmen.

An alternative history

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Sources

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    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

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