Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month: Black Figures in History and Aviation

The Origin of Black History Month

Every February, communities, schools, and organizations across the United States and Canada pause to honor the extraordinary contributions of Black Americans and Black people throughout history. But how did Black History Month begin, and why does 2026 carry such special significance?

The origin of Black History Month traces its roots to 1926, when historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week." Woodson, often called the "Father of Black History", chose the second week of February deliberately, as it coincided with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14), two figures deeply connected to the struggle for Black freedom and equality. Some historians believe Woodson may also have been inspired by the Lincoln Jubilee of 1915, a celebration of fifty years since emancipation that showcased the achievements of Black Americans on a national stage.

What began as a single week grew steadily in scope and recognition. By 1976, the celebration was officially expanded to the entire month of February in the United States. In Canada, Black History Month was formally recognized in December 1995.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson's original founding. A full century of annually shining a light on Black history facts, Black figures in history, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.

Movements That Shaped a Century

Over the past 100 years, the story of Black history in America has been one of extraordinary resilience, courage, and achievement in the face of systemic injustice. A few landmark movements stand as pillars of that progress:

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s dismantled legal segregation, culminating in landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and countless unsung activists risked, and in many cases gave, their lives to secure rights that should never have been denied.

The Black Power Movement of the late 1960s and 1970s pushed further, demanding not just legal equality but economic self-determination, cultural pride, and an end to systemic racism in housing, employment, and education.

More recently, the Black Lives Matter movement, which emerged in 2013 and gained mass attention in 2020, reignited a national and global conversation about structural racism and the value of Black lives. It represents a new generation continuing the work that Carter G. Woodson believed education and recognition could support.

Progress across 100 years is real and undeniable, in politics, culture, science, business, and yes, aviation. But honest reflection also demands acknowledging that the work is far from finished.

Black History in Aviation

Our industry, uncrewed aerial systems and drone technology, stands on the shoulders of aviation pioneers who came before us. As drone technology evolved from crewed aircraft into the uncrewed systems we work with today, it inherited both the innovations and the stories of the broader aviation world. This Black History Month, we want to highlight some of the remarkable Black figures in history who helped build that world.

The First Black Female Pilot: Bessie Coleman (1922)

Bessie Coleman is one of the most remarkable black figures in history and one of the most iconic trailblazers in all of aviation. Born in Texas in 1892, Coleman dreamed of flying, but was refused admission to flight schools in the United States because of both her race and her gender. Undeterred, she taught herself French, traveled to France, and in 1922 became the first Black woman to fly in the United States, certified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

In the United States, Coleman performed in air shows across the country, using her platform to advocate for racial and gender equality. She refused to perform at venues that segregated audiences. Tragically, she died in a plane accident in 1926, the same year Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week, but her legacy has only grown with time. 

A Legacy That Continues: The Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, flew over 15,000 missions and destroyed more than 260 enemy aircraft. Their courage opened doors that could never be fully closed again.

Since then, Black aviators, aerospace engineers, and astronauts have continued making history. From Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, to the many commercial and military pilots who followed the Tuskegee legacy, the contributions of Black Americans to aviation are woven into the very fabric of flight.

Spotlight: The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)

One of the most important organizations in aviation today working to continue this legacy is the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). OBAP is a non profit organization dedicated to advancing minorities in aviation and aerospace through education, advocacy, and community.

OBAP offers a wide range of programs and scholarships designed to create pathways for young Black men and women who dream of careers in the skies, from pilot training programs to aerospace engineering opportunities.

Progress Made and Progress Still Needed

Black history facts and milestones in aviation are cause for real celebration. But this Black History Month, it is equally important to be honest: there is still significant progress to be made.

Aviation and the drone industry that has grown from it continues to face challenges around access, representation, and the elimination of bias. Minorities remain underrepresented in cockpits, in boardrooms, in engineering roles, and across the uncrewed systems sector. 

The most meaningful allyship and advocacy happens year-round, in hiring decisions, in mentorship programs, in the organizations we support, and in the culture we build within our own teams.

Our Commitment: Diversity, Inclusivity, and Respect

At the heart of our work in the aviation and drone space are core values that guide how we operate every day. Our company values reflect a deep commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and respect as foundational principles. 

We believe that the future of aviation and unmanned systems must be built by and for everyone. We are committed to being a company that creates those opportunities, celebrates those stories, and moves our industry forward with intention and integrity.

As we mark 100 years of Black History Month in 2026, we honor the past, acknowledge the present, and commit to building a more equitable future: in aviation, in drones, and beyond.