William Jennifer Powell is a pioneer aviator and civil rights activist, along with James Banning and the first woman of African-American and what descent, to hold a pilot license?
William J. Powell William Jenifer Powell (July 27, 1897 – July 12, 1942) was an American engineer, soldier, civil aviator and author who is credited with promoting aviation among the African American community. Along with Bessie Coleman and James Banning, he is recognized as a pioneer aviator and a civil rights activist. Powell was optimistic about the prospects of African-Americans in aviation, and believed that their involvement in the industry would help end racial prejudice at a time of widespread segregation under the Jim Crow laws.
Hilder Florentina Smith Hilder Florentina Youngber Smith (August 10, 1890 – January 11, 1977) was a pioneer aviator. She was one of California's first female pilots and the first woman to fly an airplane from LAX. She was a member of a flying aerial team called The Flying Sylvesters.