In the News
A Statement on Merit, Safety, and Opportunity
A message from OBAP Board Chair Tennesse Garvey In response to the recently announced merit-based pilot hiring directive, I’d like to reiterate that the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) champions the highest standards of professionalism and safety in aviation. Our mission is rooted in inspiring, mentoring, and developing aerospace professionals who meet and exceed…
Read MoreAmerican Airlines and OBAP celebrate 50 years of progress and 100 years of flight
Historic partnership, with American Airlines as Title Sponsor of OBAP’s 50th Annual Conference, honors legacy and builds a runway for an inclusive future in aviation CHICAGO and FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and American Airlines proudly announce their partnership for OBAP’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. As the event’s official Title…
Read MoreOBAP 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 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 MoreAmerican Airlines Continues its Efforts to Diversify the Flight Deck With a $1.5 Million Donation to the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
American will provide $750,000 as a resource grant and $250,000 for scholarships to OBAP’s Luke Weathers Flight Academy An additional $250,000 per year over the next two years will be provided for scholarships American Airlines extended job offers to 45 diverse aviators at OBAPs 46th Annual Conference (Left to Right) American CEO Robert Isom, Luke Weathrs…
Read MorePamela Williams Takes on New Role at United Aviate
Pamela Williams joins United Aviate Academy from Amazon, where she served as Senior Program Manager – Executive Development. In this position, Pam created and implemented training programs for managers while participating in and conducting needs analysis, skills development classes, and leadership training for over 200 managers. Prior to Amazon, Pam spent 32 years at FedEx…
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