You are here

Bessie Coleman Aero Club; William Powell

William J. Powell (far right), a successful owner of several automobile service stations in Chicago, moved to Los Angeles to learn to fly. By the early 1930s Powell had organized the Bessie Coleman Aero Club to promote aviation awareness in the black community. Both men and women were welcome to apply. Powell became a talented visionary and promoter of black involvement in aviation.

Zoom in on the image — William J. Powell (far right), a successful owner of several automobile service stations in Chicago, moved to Los Angeles to learn to fly. By the early 1930s Powell had organized the Bessie Coleman Aero Club to promote aviation awareness in the black community. Both men and women were welcome to apply. Powell became a talented visionary and promoter of black involvement in aviation.

ID #:

9A01548

Source:

National Air and Space Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution

Copyright/Owner:

Smithsonian Institution

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use
For print or commercial use please see permissions information.

Related content