Celebrating the Legacy of Trailblazer Harris, the First Black Commercial Airline Pilot

Breaking Barriers in Aviation

On December 3, 1964, aviation history was made when James Herman Harris became the first African American hired as a commercial airline pilot for a major US carrier.

A Pivotal Moment in the Civil Rights Movement

Harris's groundbreaking achievement came at a time when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States. His hiring by American Airlines was a powerful symbol of progress and defied longstanding racial barriers in the aviation industry.

Before Harris's historic flight, countless Black pilots had fought for the opportunity to enter the commercial airline industry. Harris's success paved the way for future generations of Black pilots and continues to inspire aspiring aviators today.