Willa Brown (1906 – 1992)

 Rationale for Inclusion       

• First African American Woman to Hold a Commercial Pilot’s License: Willa Brown was the first African American woman in the United States to earn a commercial pilot’s license in 1938, a remarkable achievement at a time when racial and gender discrimination were prevalent in the aviation field. Her success helped break down barriers and paved the way for future generations of African American women in aviation. 
• First African American Woman to Become a Certified Flight Instructor: Brown was not only a licensed pilot but also the first African American woman to become a certified flight instructor. She used this certification to train countless African American pilots, many of whom would go on to serve as Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. Through her work as a flight instructor, Brown was instrumental in preparing African Americans to participate in military aviation, making a direct contribution to both the war effort and the advancement of racial equality in the armed forces.
• Founder of the Coffey School of Aeronautics: Along with her then husband, Cornelius Coffey, Brown co-founded the Coffey School of Aeronautics in Chicago, one of the first flight schools in the United States owned and operated by African Americans. The school provided flight and mechanic training to African Americans, creating a pipeline of skilled pilots and aviation professionals during an era when such opportunities were severely limited for people of color. The Coffey School trained hundreds of pilots, including many who went on to join the Tuskegee Airmen, contributing significantly to the advancement of African Americans in aviation.
• Role Model and Advocate for Women in Aviation: Willa Brown was a trailblazer not only for African Americans but also for women in aviation. She consistently advocated for increased representation and opportunities for women in the field, becoming a role model for women aspiring to careers in aviation.