David E. Harris, first Black pilot for a major U.S. carrier, dies at 89

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“There is no way I should be the first,” said Mr. Harris, a former captain at American Airlines. “It should’ve happened long before 1964.”

David E. Harris, a former Air Force flier who became the first Black pilot for a major U.S. passenger airline in the 1960s after battles by others to enter the industry, including a landmark anti-discrimination claim backed by the Supreme Court, died March 8 at a hospice center in Marietta, Ga.As Mr. Harris rose to captain at American, he became a symbol of Black achievement during the civil rights movement. Within the world of aviation, he was hailed as a trailblazer along with theMr.

During nine weeks of training, one of his roommates — unaware of Mr. Harris’s race because of his light complexion — made frequent racist remarks, Mr. Harris recalled. He privately fumed but decided not speak out. Mr. Harris said he wanted to avoid anything that could disrupt getting his civilian wings.South Carolina Living in 2015. After the training, Mr. Harris became a co-pilot. He was promoted to captain in 1967. American Airlines featured Mr.

At Ohio State University, he joined the Air Force ROTC while studying for a degree in education. He graduated in 1957 and joined the Air Force a year later as a lieutenant, serving on bases in the United States and England. His assignments included being part of the crews for B-47 and B-52 bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. He left the Air Force with the rank of captain.

 

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