Researching Black Women in Aviation: Barriers & Breakthroughs

1501 North Marginal Road,Cleveland OH 44114

25 March, 2022

Description

"Dinner with a Slice of History" returns w/ historian Monica Smith who shares her mission to document African American women in aviation. The International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) is pleased to announce the return of Dinner with a Slice of History, a program made possible through a Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) grant. When Bessie Coleman made her U.S. barnstorming debut in 1922, her exhibition flights inspired more African Americans to become aviators. Over the next few decades, Black women took to the skies, earned licensees, and did their best to integrate the burgeoning aviation industry. The challenges of researching these women often keeps them out of the history books. Piecing together their stories takes time, energy, perseverance, and trust. In this program IWASM welcomes U.S. Air Force (ret.) and cultural historian Monica Smith to discuss her mission to document and share the stories of these remarkable women. Monica Smith is a Washington, D.C. native, U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel (ret.), and freelance cultural historian. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Goucher College, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Master of Public Administration. Her MFA thesis surveyed the first fifty years of African American aviation. After leaving the military, Smith began writing about African American and women aviation pioneers. Her mission to document stories before history leaves them behind led her to the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum. She was an A. Verville Fellow, and led the Military Women Aviators Oral History Initiative. Smith has edited newsletters for the 39th Flight, Daedalians (a fraternal organization of military aviators) and The East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Commercially, her articles have been published in The Washington Times digital magazine, American CurrentSee, and The Afro American Newspapers. Registration InformationRegistration is required prior to the event. Non-IWASM members - $25IWASM members - $15Get Tickets & Join IWASM for 1 year - $55Virtual -- minimum $5 donationIn person tickets include admittance to the program, and a boxed dinner. When registering, consider donating to IWASM. Even $5 will go toward furthering the museum's mission, activities, and services. Donations are non-refundable. Space is limited for the program. Registrations made via check can be sent to: 1501 N Marginal Rd. Ste 165, Cleveland, OH 44114 and must be received no later than September 15. Visit www.iwasm.org or call 216.623.1111 for more information. COVID-19 Precautions - Ensuring everyone's health and safety.IWASM considers the health and safety of all our visitors, supporters, and communities our top priority. We are following all CDC, State of Ohio, and local recommendations for hosting in person events. Space is limited for this event, and all participants will practice social distancing while at the museum. We ask that if attendees are feeling unwell, or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, to stay home. Unless actively eating or drinking, all guests are asked to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status in line with airport guidelines. Visit www.iwasm.org to plan your visit and review how IWASM is working to keep our friends, neighbors and communities safe. About IWASM The International Women's Air & Space Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Cleveland, Ohio. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and showcase the history and culture of women in all areas of aviation and aerospace; educate people of the world about their contributions; and inspire future generations by bringing the history to life. The International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) hosts a variety of events both free and ticketed. Events range from free community Family Days, Rocket Days, our annual "Dinner with a Slice of History" speaker series, and more!