This month, Team RDU recognizes Black History Month and celebrates the African-American aviators, airport staff, community leaders and trailblazers who have contributed in so many ways to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the aviation industry.
There’s no shortage of African-American history to be found right here at RDU. Below are just a few chapters from throughout the airport’s history. We’ll share these stories and more all month long on our social media accounts and newsletters — so get ready to learn about some amazing people.
Capt. Warren Wheeler
North Carolina’s place in aviation history is well-regarded. But did you know the first African-American owned and operated airline launched from right here at RDU?
In 1969, Warren H. Wheeler had already made history as a captain for Piedmont Airlines. Wheeler — a product of Durham’s Hillside High and later NC A&T University — was personally recommended to Piedmont by former N.C. Governor Terry Sanford. Wheeler became Piedmont’s first African-American pilot in 1966 at the age of 22.
But it was only a few years later when Wheeler made history again. He founded Wheeler Flying Service (later Wheeler Airlines), based out of RDU. The landmark commercial airline launched passenger service in 1974. During the 1970s, Wheeler served as a critical link between RDU and a number of North Carolina towns.
Wheeler Airlines grew to serve more than 40,000 annual customers at its peak, flying to destinations across five states. By the time the carrier eventually closed in 1991, Warren Wheeler was responsible for the career development of dozens of minority employees eager to enter the aviation industry. He became a pilot for USAir and earned appointments on aviation commissions in both North Carolina and Virginia.
Phil Freelon
Each day, thousands of RDU guests pass through architecture designed by the late Durham architect Phil Freelon.
Freelon’s architectural legacy is known around the world — including facilities such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in Charlotte and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Here in the Triangle, Freelon was instrumental in the architectural development of RDU’s Terminal 2, central parking deck and the former Terminal C.
African-American Board Chairs Through the Years
The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority’s eight-member Board of Directors has a deep history of African-American leadership. Since 1943, seven African-American chairmen have steered the airport’s governance and policy-making, including chair Patrick Hannah:
- Farad Ali
- Ken Gibbs
- Ron Gregory
- Pete Allison
- Bert Collins
- Bill Clement
LeRoy Walker, Jr.
You can’t talk about North Carolina aviation without including LeRoy Walker, Jr. The late former president of the Heart of Carolina Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen was a beloved role model who taught generations of children the value of dedication, education and leadership, inspiring many to pursue careers in aviation.
Walker, Jr. was a trained pilot and aviation enthusiast who introduced youth in the region, particularly minority students, to the aviation industry and educated them about all the jobs associated with flying. He encouraged young boys and girls to embrace a positive attitude, always do their best and explore careers in aviation and aerospace. His passion and commitment impacted countless members of our community.
Walker, Jr. was an active member and former president of the Heart of Carolina Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a non-profit organization that educates youth about the history and achievements of the original Tuskegee Airmen and supports young men and women interested in careers in aviation, technology and aerospace. In 2013, he launched a program within the Heart of Carolina Chapter called the Youth Aviation Academy, a program that introduces youth to the general field of aviation, provides basic knowledge of the Tuskegee Airmen legacy and teaches the fundamentals of S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at RDU
RDU Airport would not be what it is today without the contributions of African-American individuals throughout decades of service. Today, RDU encourages continued inclusivity through the Airport Authority’s Small Business Programs. This office serves as a liaison to small business, including those identified as Minority and Women-Owned Small Businesses (MWSB).
The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Minority and Women-Owned Small Business (MWSB) Program encourages and fosters the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) of minority and women-owned small businesses in the Authority’s business activities, including the procurement of goods and services as well as leasing and development. The Airport Authority requires that each business partner make good faith efforts to promote this policy throughout its engagement with the Airport Authority. The MWSB Program applies to all the Airport Authority’s state and airport funded contracts and procurement activities.