William J. Powell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William J. Powell
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Lt. William J. Powell in France, 1917
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| Born | July 27, 1897 Henderson, Kentucky, US
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| Died | July 12, 1942 (aged 44) Reno, Nevada, US
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| Known for | Aviator, engineer, author |
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William Jenifer Powell (born July 27, 1897 – died July 12, 1942) was an American engineer, soldier, and pilot. He was also a writer who worked hard to encourage aviation among the African-American community.
Along with other famous pilots like Bessie Coleman and James Banning, William Powell is known as a pioneer in aviation. He was also a civil rights activist. Powell strongly believed that if African Americans became involved in aviation, it would help end unfair treatment and segregation. This was a time when strict Jim Crow laws kept people separated based on race.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Powell was born in Henderson, Kentucky. His family later moved to Chicago. He was accepted into the University of Illinois to study engineering.
However, his studies were paused when he volunteered to join the 370th Illinois Infantry Regiment. He was sent to fight in World War I. During the war, he was injured in a gas attack. After recovering, he returned to the United States to finish his college degree.
An Amazing Aviation Career
William Powell was very interested in flying. He tried to join the Army Air Corps and applied to several flight schools. Finally, in 1928, he was accepted at the Los Angeles School of Flight.
The Bessie Coleman Aero Club
After learning to fly, Powell started the Bessie Coleman Aero Club. He named it after Bessie Coleman, who was the first African-American female pilot. She had sadly passed away three years earlier.
In 1929, Oscar Stanton De Priest, a Congressman from Chicago, visited Los Angeles. He was the only black representative in the country at that time. Powell took Congressman De Priest on a flight over the city. Later, he asked Susan Hancock, who was Booker T. Washington's mother-in-law, to officially name the plane after the congressman. Other famous people like Duke Ellington and Joe Louis also visited Powell's club.
Training and Publications
To support his club, Powell also opened a school. This school trained both airplane mechanics and pilots. He also started a newspaper called Craftsmen Aero News. He said it was the first newspaper for African-American businesses.
On Labor Day in 1931, Powell's club put on the first all-black air show in the United States. About 15,000 people came to watch! By 1932, William Powell was one of only 14 Black pilots in the entire United States. He was also a licensed navigator and an aeronautical engineer.
Black Wings and Legacy
The Bessie Coleman Aero Club eventually closed because of money problems caused by the Great Depression. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money was hard to find.
In 1934, Powell wrote a book called Black Wings. It was a story based on his own life. He wrote it to inspire young African Americans. He wanted them to join the aviation industry not just as pilots, but also as designers, engineers, and mechanics. He famously encouraged them to "fill the air with black wings."
Later Life
William Powell passed away in 1942. It is thought that his death was caused by the effects of the poison gas he was exposed to during World War I. He is buried in the Los Angeles National Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Lt. William J. Powell in France, 1917
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William J. Powell
