HONORING TWO WHO DARED TO FLY
Jackson, TN June 6, 2021 – McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, The Memphis Blackhawks and Team Memphis have partnered to celebrate the legacy of pioneers and trailblazers Bessie Coleman and. Eugene May This celebration will take place at the McKellar-Sipes Airport on June 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. .
Bessie Coleman became the first the African American female and American to earn in International Pilot’s License in France on June 15, 1921. This will be the 100th anniversary of her historic endeavor. She was an entrepreneur with in indomiable spirit who wanted to show others that they could fly too.
Eugene May a native of Jackson was unable find anyone in the south that would teach him to fly. He refused to be deterred and made his way to Chicago and in 1948 received his pilot’s license. He purchased a 1951 chrome Swift Globe aircraft and traveled all over the US. In 2017 the Memphis Blackhawksmade him an honorary member. With their support and also Team Memphis Mr. May was bestowed the prestigious FAA Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award in 2018 recognizing his 50 plus years of professional and safe flying experience. On this occasion his award will be archived at MeKellar Aiport for all to see. Mr May passed in 2019.
Steve Smith, Executive Director of McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport states,”We are honored to be a part of this special day recognizing two of America’s Aviation Pioneers, local hero Eugene May and International Aviatrix Bessie Coleman. We take time to remember these Americans because of the struggles they overcame to realize their dream of flight. Their accomplishmenta are examples to young people around the world that dreams can come true.”
Sharon C. Shaw, Acting President of the Memphis Blackhawks states, “We believe that it is of paramount importance that we preserve the legacy of these pioneers and we are elated to remember both of these legacy pilots. Both had to travel to other places to fulfill their dreams of flying an “aeroplane”. The Blackhawks continue in the spirit of our late President, Mr. Morris Brown, by serving our communities and helping to build tomorrow’s leaders.”
Weather permitting Memphis Blackhawks Chief Pilot, Billy Shannon and student pilots from the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Flight Academy in Olive Branch MS are expected to fly-in to this event.
The event is open to the public.