Posts by Candace Williams-Brown
OBAP Announces Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air as Title Sponsors for 49th Annual Conference in Tacoma
February 6, 2025 | Olive Branch, MS – The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is proud to announce that Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air will serve as the title sponsors for the 49th Annual OBAP Conference, taking place August 6-8, 2025 in scenic Tacoma, Washington. This year’s theme, “Limitless Horizons: Advancing Toward…
Read MoreStanding Against the Erosion of Equity and the Erasure of the Tuskegee Airmen’s Legacy
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) stands resolute in our mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in aviation and aerospace. Today, we find ourselves compelled to speak out against two deeply troubling developments: the repeal of Executive Order 13985, which prioritized equity in federal programs, and the removal of the Tuskegee Airmen’s…
Read MoreOBAP Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors, Confirms Reelection of Current Leaders
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors: Captain Cory Glenn, Krystal McCoy, and Robyn D. Murphy. The newly elected board members bring a wealth of experience in aviation, talent acquisition, and education, furthering OBAP’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion…
Read MoreMother and Son Fly High
What happens when you take the love of aviation, add a dash of mother-son bonding, and ignite the growth of minorities generationally in the industry? You get to meet and share the journey of OBAP members Nia and Thaddeus. Ms. Nia Gilliam-Wordlaw would be the last person to share how impressive her aviation career has…
Read MoreFedEx Sponsors 2024 OBAP Annual Conference in Memphis, TN
May 23, 2024 | Memphis, TN – The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is proud to partner with FedEx as the title sponsor of the 2024 OBAP Annual Convention, taking place August 21-23 in Memphis, Tennesse. This year’s convention theme is “ONE: Mission. Moment. Memphis,” reinforcing OBAP’s call to unite aerospace professionals across disciplines…
Read MoreMember Profile: Capt. Mike Ponce
The people. It is by the people that you can often feel the heartbeat of an organization. The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) undoubtedly embodies this sentiment. It is present in our programs, such as Aerospace Professionals in Schools, Aerospace Career Education, Luke Weathers Flight Academy, and many others, made possible by the due…
Read MoreCelebrating the Life and Legacy of Capt. David Harris
It is with heavy hearts that the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) acknowledges the passing of Retired Captain David E. Harris, a true pioneer and trailblazer in the aviation industry. Dave Harris, born on December 22, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, not only shattered racial barriers but also paved the way for generations of aspiring…
Read MoreVanessa Blacknall-Jamison Selected as Executive Director of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) proudly announces the selection of Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison as its new Executive Director. She will assume her role effective April 1. With 47 years of distinguished professional aviation and business experience, including 30 years in leadership roles, Vanessa brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for driving positive…
Read MoreOBAP Responds to Unfounded Claims Questioning the Qualifications of Black Commercial Pilots
We write this letter representing the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a distinguished institution with a rich history spanning nearly 50 years in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the aviation industry. We represent the thousands of members: pilots, flight attendants, engineers, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other aerospace professionals, who worked tirelessly to…
Read MoreUnited Airlines Announced as Title Sponsor of the 2023 OBAP Annual Convention
New Orleans, LA – The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is proud to partner with United Airlines as the title sponsor of the 2023 OBAP Annual Convention, taking place August 9-11 in New Orleans. This year’s convention theme is “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” and promises to bring together aerospace professionals from across the industry…
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