Chocolate Phoenix: the story of pioneering aviator Willa Brown

Surrounded by prestigious awards and memorabilia, dozens of families gathered at Avondale Meadows YMCA on the city’s eastside on Feb. 22 to learn about one of history’s trailblazers in the aviation industry: Willa B. Brown, whose family was among attendees. Brown is an integral figure in the history of aviation, often celebrated for her groundbreaking accomplishments and enduring impact on the industry. Born on January 22, 1906, in Glasgow, Kentucky, Brown’s journey to becoming a pilot and advocate for African Americans and women in aviation is headlined by perseverance and a relentless pursuit of fighting for what is right. A portrait of Willa Brown in a plane. (Photo/National World War II Museum) Raised in a time of racial segregation and limited opportunities for African Americans, Willa Brown faced countless barriers on her path to pursuing her dreams. Despite the prevailing societal challenges, Brown exhibited an early fascination with aviation, inspired by the daring stunts of pioneering aviators such as Bessie Coleman. Her ambition to conquer the skies led her to graduate with a degree in business from Lewis College of Business in Chicago. The senior manager of educational programs & diversity partnerships at Republic Airways, Darrell Morton, led the event....