We're proud to tell the stories of African Americans' substantial contributions to aerospace and aviation in our Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight exhibit.
You can find this exhibit throughout the Flight Innovation Center.
#SmithsonianBHM #BlackHistoryMonth
Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Jr. both broke racial barriers in the U.S. military. Davis Sr. was the first Black general in the U.S. Army and Davis Jr. led the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. #SmithsonianBHM #BlackHistoryMonth
The #TuskegeeAirmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of #WWII . Their dedication to defending the freedom of all Americans & their acts of heroism paved the way for full integration of the U.S. military. #SmithsonianBHM
During the Apollo 11 mission, Stouffer's was tapped to provide meals for the returning crew while in isolation. The team at Stouffer's, including Sara Thompson (pictured here), were committed to providing safe, high-quality microwaveable food for the astronauts. #SmithsonianBHM
Eugenia Powell Deas was the only African American female welder at the Charleston Naval Shipyard during #WWII . Watch her tell her story here: bit.ly/2sVLRJ9 in our #StoriesfromMainStreet ! #BecauseOfHerStory #BlackHistoryMonth #SmithsonianBHM #BHM
Published in Harlem by Victor and Alma Green, the ' Negro Motorist's Green Book' came out annually from 1937-1964. #SmithsonianBHM #BlackHistoryMonth ow.ly/wKKr30sabti
Dr. Carter G. Woodson—known as the “Father of Black History'—started the first Negro History Week in 1926 to ensure students would learn Black history. It grew into #BlackHistoryMonth , starting in 1976. #SmithsonianBHM
📸: Scurlock Studio Records portrait in our National Museum of American History
Dr. Carter G. Woodson—known as the “Father of Black History'—started the first Negro History Week in 1926 to ensure students would learn Black history. It grew into #BlackHistoryMonth , starting in 1976. #SmithsonianBHM Scurlock Studio Records portrait in the National Museum of American History
As a teacher, Mary McLeod Bethune was acutely aware of the dual oppression of racism & sexism that African American girls faced. In 1904 she founded the Daytona Normal & Industrial School for Training Negro Girls, equipping students w/ community leadership skills. #SmithsonianBHM
Mae Reeves, an African-American hat designer, was one of the first black women to own a large business in downtown Philadelphia. #SmithsonianBHM #BlackHistoryMonth ow.ly/ra0v30sajal
This iron pot in our collection belonged to & was used by Manda (Amanda) Caldwell and her daughter Susie (Susan) Caldwell McGill. Manda Caldwell was born enslaved in the 19th century in the York County or Cherokee County areas of South Carolina. #SmithsonianBHM #BlackHistoryMonth
This #BlackHistoryMonth we shed light on one culturally important crop with African roots: okra. Okra has become a staple in the South, an essential ingredient in gumbo and a favorite when fried. #SmithsonianBHM
He invented: a belt fastener for sewing machines; a liquid that could straighten Black hair; a safety helmet for firefighters; and much, much more. Who was he?
Read about inventor Garrett Morgan in our newest blog post: invention.si.edu/diverse-voices… #BlackHistoryMonth #SmithsonianBHM
Black Americans living in the Jim Crow era were constantly inventing and adapting to keep their families safe while traveling. Because there was no guarantee they would find a restaurant, food was packed in ice and placed in “shoebox lunches.” #SmithsonianBHM #GreenBook
Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso was a key figure in the generation that bridged baseball from segregation to integration. He played in the Negro Leagues before debuting in 1949 as the first Afro-Latino player in the majors. s.si.edu/359PMsJ #SmithsonianBHM
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth we're sharing this work in our collection by Jacob Lawrence, who was inspired by the everyday life of black communities & families. 🎨: 'Builders,' 1980; Gift of WA Art Consortium through Safeco Ins., member of Liberty Mutual #SmithsonianBHM