Birmingham Airport Authority Honors African American Aviators
During the month of February, the Birmingham Airport Authority will recognize Black History Month at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) by celebrating the legacy and contributions of African American aviators and pioneers throughout history that helped raise the aviation industry to new heights.
“As an airport named after the late civil rights activist Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, it is important for us to recognize the achievements and share the stories of African Americans that have made significant contributions to America’s history and the diverse story of our nation,” said Ronald F. Mathieu, Birmingham Airport Authority president and CEO. “We invite the community to join us as we honor and celebrate the stories of those who stood in the face of adversity and helped pave the way for all, especially in the aviation industry.”
BHM’s celebration of Black History Month will include blog posts and social media spotlights applauding the achievements and sharing the stories of prominent African American aviators such as Emory Malick, Bessie Coleman, James Banning, Willa Brown, and the Tuskegee Airmen. Live music performances will also take place each Friday on the ticketing level, pre-security, near the centralized security checkpoint. The performance schedule is as follows:
- February 5 10:00 am- 12:00 pm Justin Oliver
- February 12 11:00 am- 1:00 pm The Official Clutch Band
- February 19 10:00 am- 12:00 pm Allison Sanders
- February 26 11:00 am- 1:00 pm Michael Ham
Travelers flying through Birmingham are also encouraged to take a moment and visit the airport’s exhibits honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth. The Tuskegee Airmen exhibit, designed by the Southern Museum of Flight, features four P-51 Mustang “Red Tail” aircraft flying in formation, as well as related artifacts, photographs, and a uniform. The exhibit devoted to Reverend Shuttlesworth was designed by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and offers an overview of his crucial work during the civil rights movement.
