William J. Powell Jr.

Powell dreamed of African Americans finding their rightful place in the air age as pilots and mechanics, a vision he called “Black Wings.”

William J. Powell led a small group of black air enthusiasts in Los Angeles during the 1920s. He established the Bessie Coleman Flying Club and sponsored the first all-black air show.

He called for the full participation of African Americans in aviation as pilots, mechanics, and business leaders. To achieve this end, he wrote his visionary book, Black Wings, produced a documentary film, and worked tirelessly to mobilize African American youth for aviation.

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Powell dreamed of African Americans finding their rightful place in the air age as pilots and mechanics, a vision he called “Black Wings.”

Joe Louis' visit with William Powell in 1938 added prestige to black aviation.

Black Wings was William Powell's airminded vision of opportunity for African Americans.

Black Wings was William J. Powell's airminded vision of opportunity for African Americans.

A veteran of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I, William Powell was active in the American Legion.

William Powell used this slide rule while teaching courses on aeronautics at the Bessie Coleman Flying Club.

William Powell used this flight computer while teaching courses on aeronautics at the Bessie Coleman Flying Club.

William Powell used this drafting pen while teaching courses on aeronautics at the Bessie Coleman Flying Club.

William Powell used this small drafting pen while teaching courses on aeronautics at the Bessie Coleman Flying Club.

William Powell recorded his flying activities in his flight log in the 1930s while he was leader of the Bessie Coleman Flying Club.

William Powell recorded his flying activities in his flight log in the 1930s while he was leader of the Bessie Coleman Flying Club.