NATCA Celebrates Black History Month

This Black History Month, our Union wants to recognize and celebrate the achievements by Black Americans in the aviation industry and the labor movement. The field of aviation was not exempt from the racism and discrimination that plagued the United States for much of its history. Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans were largely denied access to the training and education required to break into the aviation industry and excluded from jobs in the industry. However, some trailblazers, including Bessie Coleman, Cornelius Coffey, and the members of the Tuskegee Airmen broke down barriers for future generations. Read about some notable black aviation pioneers here.

The Civil Rights Movement is deeply intertwined with the labor movement. Civil Rights leaders fought to end discrimination in all parts of public life, including the workplace. They advocated for the right to organize, fair and livable wages, workers’ rights, and safer working conditions. Learn more about a few historic black labor leaders from the National Education Association.