Curtiss–Wright Aeronautical University facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Curtis–Wright Aeronautical University Building
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1338-1342 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1922 |
| Architect | Henry J. Schlacks |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 13000827 |
| Added to NRHP | October 16, 2013 |
The Curtiss–Wright Aeronautical University was a special flight school in Chicago, Illinois. It was started by the famous airplane company Curtiss-Wright. This school was open from 1929 to 1953. It became the first flight school in the Midwest that allowed black students and teachers.
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A School for Pilots
When it first opened, the school only accepted white students. But in 1930, two brave aviators, Cornelius Coffey and John C. Robinson, wanted to join. They were denied because they were black. They threatened to sue the school. The school's leader then agreed to let black students in, but in separate classes. This would happen if Coffey and Robinson could find enough black students to enroll.
Breaking Barriers
To make this happen, Coffey and Robinson started the Challenger Air Pilots Association. Their goal was to build a strong community for black pilots in Chicago. By 1932, they had gathered enough people. This allowed the first all-black class to begin at Curtiss–Wright. This was a big step for equality in aviation.
Their Own Airfield
In 1933, the school lost access to its main airfield. Because of unfair treatment at other city airfields, the black students decided to open their own. This new airfield was first located in Robbins, a black community. Later, it moved to 87th Street and Harlem Avenue in Chicago. This showed their determination to fly, no matter the obstacles.
Famous Flyers
The students from Curtiss–Wright played a huge part in aviation history. They helped grow the black aviation community in Chicago. They also fought for fairness and progress for black pilots across the country. Besides Coffey and Robinson, many other famous pilots studied here. These included Willa Brown, Janet Bragg, and several of the brave Tuskegee Airmen.
The Historic Building
The school operated from a large, seven-story building. It is located at 1338-1342 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This building is important because of its connection to the school's history. On October 16, 2013, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list recognizes places important to American history.
