As we celebrate Black History Month during the month of February, our employees have come together to express what Black History means to us. We celebrate and recognize that Black history, culture and stories are at the core of who we are as a nation. Our diversity makes us stronger as a company, country and world. Read below on what Black History Month means to us:
JORDON GYAPONG, FO, JFK
“To me, Black History Month is a reminder of the incredible accomplishments of the generations that came before me. Knowing that I stand on the shoulders of giants means a lot—especially in the aviation industry. Every day, I put on my uniform with pride and a deep sense of gratitude, recognizing that I can do what I love because of those who paved the way.
I was fortunate enough to meet a trailblazer who paved the way for many people like me. In college, I attended a conference for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, where I had the honor of meeting Captain David Harris. In 1968, he became the first African American pilot to be hired by a major U.S. carrier. Though he was the first, he certainly wasn’t the last. I’m proud to be a part of his legacy and the legacy of so many who came before me.
My journey to becoming an airline pilot is unique, just like many others. I was one of the first in my family’s generation to graduate with a four-year degree and the first to become a pilot. I grew up in a community where seeing a Black pilot was unheard of. However, I caught the ‘flying bug’ at a young age while traveling for the first time to visit family in Jamaica. It was then that I knew I wanted to become an airline pilot.”
FARILYN HURT, FO IN TRAINING
“Initially, I wanted to become a nurse. However, in the summer of 2015, my mom discovered the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ ACE camp. That was where I had my first exposure to aviation, and it was a transformative experience. I was awestruck to see people who looked like me excelling in a field I had never imagined. I was nervous about our flight to Pensacola, FL, but that’s when I met Captain Stephanie Johnson, the first African American female captain at Delta Airlines. Meeting her sparked a fire in me—I knew right then that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. From that moment on, aviation became my passion.
I celebrate Black History Month by reflecting on the struggles and triumphs of our past. It’s a time to remember how much we’ve endured. Many people are unaware of the challenges that made it possible for us to sit in the rooms we do today. I take time to remind myself to stand tall, never shrink in the face of adversity, and strive for my goals—no matter how impossible they may seem, or how many people tell me I can’t. If no one else has paved the way, I’ll make one, just as countless others have before me.”
CRYSTAL POLOTE, FA, ATL
“Black History Month is more than just a month or a collection of events. It’s a thread that has been woven through my life from a young age, starting with my role in Black History plays at school and church. Those moments weren’t just about acting or learning facts—they were about feeling a connection to something bigger than myself. I’ve always felt pride in seeing our stories celebrated, not just as a history of struggle, but also as a history of strength, resilience, and triumph. Black History has always reminded me of the power we have as a community, and the importance of carrying our stories forward so that we never forget the people and moments that shaped who we are today.”
KERON LOVELL, MX SUPERVISOR, LGA
“Black History Month to me is a time to be proud with reflection on the effort and sacrifice that great people made in the past to give us the opportunities we have today. It is a celebration of resilience, achievement, and the countless contributions of Black individuals throughout history- those that fought the good fight, so we don’t have to.
This month is about honoring the past while striving for excellence in the present. I celebrate by watching movies or reading historic stories, so the knowledge is never lost to the generations to come. It’s also a time to recognize the importance of representation in industries like aviation, where diversity strengthens innovation and progress.”
ERICA MERRITT, FA, ATL
“When I was walking through the ATL airport, I noticed a woman reading the Atlanta History murals between C and B concourse. It warmed my heart when she stopped at the mural of Alonzo Herndon, a former slave who worked hard to become Atlanta’s first Black millionaire. Little did the woman know was that Herndon was imbedded in my history. My mother was the director of The Herndon Home and the author of his historical biography.
The word ‘History’ implies it occurred in our past, but our future will continue to create historical moments, and those moments should not be muffled, but heard. The Black contribution to this nation will forever be prevalent in our future, and as the daughter of a woman who fought so hard in the movement of Civil Rights, let us remember that all we have fought for and continue to fight for is to live in a world of Love, Legacy, Inclusion, and Connection.”
CHRIS PARROTT, FO, ATL
“Aviation is a field that represents freedom, innovation, and endless possibilities. For me specifically, I was six years old when my grandmother took me to a nearby airport in my hometown of Wilson, NC. It was there when I took my first flight in a small airplane. After that day I was fully invested in aviation. I owe it all to her because no one in my family was in the industry.
Celebrating Black History Month in aviation could mean highlighting Black aviation pioneers, mentoring the next generation, attending events that uplift Black professionals, or simply taking time to reflect on the progress made and the path forward. Some people use this time to educate others, host discussions, or participate in outreach programs to inspire future aviators.
Even today, African American pilots make up less than 4% of all commercial pilots. That’s why representation and Black History Month are important. They help build community, visibility, and opportunities for the next generation.”
TANEISA JONES, FA, ATL
“The contribution of Black Americans during the month of February is an opportunity for us as a nation to reflect, celebrate, and inspire progressive black excellence.
We reflect on our ancestors’ painstaking journey to the shores of America during her formative years.
Dr. James Durham, M.D. and Dr. Gertrude Stanton Optometrist are among the unsung physicians; Bessie Coleman and Eugene Bullard, the first aviators; Zora Neal Hurston, Langston Hughs, and Dr. Mya Angelou, notable writers and educators; Thomas Day, a craftsman (from my hometown!); President Barack Obama.
We celebrate their tenacity and their resilience in the construction of America, where we, today, have the opportunity, to re-imagine, re-create, and redefine who we are to be in this unified America.”
EDV On The Fly 