Michael H. Cottman - Segregated Skies: David Harriss Trailblazing Journey to Rise Above Racial Barriers

Text copyright 2021 Michael H. Cottman

Compilation copyright 2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC

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Designed by James Hiscott, Jr.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Cottman, Michael H., author.

Title: Segregated skies : David Harriss trailblazing journey to rise above racial barriers / Michael H. Cottman.

Description: Washington, DC, U.S.A. : National Geographic Partners, [2021] | Includes bibliographical references and index. | Audience: Ages 9-12 | Audience: Grades 4-6

Identifiers: LCCN 2021008927 (print) | LCCN 2021008928 (ebook) | ISBN 9781426371974 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781426371981 (library binding) | ISBN 9781426372018 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Harris, David E., 1934---Juvenile literature. | Air pilots--United States--Biography--Juvenile literature. | African American air pilots--Biography--Juvenile literature.

Classification: LCC TL540.H2554 C68 2021 (print) | LCC TL540.H2554 (ebook) | DDC 629.13092 [B]--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021008927

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021008928

T he author and publisher have decided to use certain antiquated and controversial terms in the book as they were used during David Harriss lifetime. In some sections, David refers to himself, and is referred to, as a Negro, a term commonly used from the early to mid 20th century but not used today. The word nigger is used in the manuscript to show the pain, torment, and effect it had in certain situations and toward particular individuals. For about 500 years, this word has been used to denigrate and demean people of African origins. In the era in which this book is set, nigger was used publicly and privately by non-Black people to inflict hostility, hatred, and harm and to indicate a negative perception of Black people. For many African Americans, it is the worst psychological insult. Weve used it here to show what David and his family endured and to help young readers understand the embarrassment, shock, fear, and pain the word caused African American people throughout history, and, in some cases, continues to cause today.

FOR
DAVID HARRIS,
LYN MAY,
AND
LEE MAY

M y name is Stephanie Hartsfield and Im a commercial airline pilot for American Airlines, a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and Im also part of Sisters of the Skies, Inc., a nonprofit that was created to encourage and support Black women in aviation. The trailblazing pilot youre about to read about in this book is my cousin David E. Harris.

When I received the invitation to write this foreword, I was just wrapping up facilitating a class for American Airlines on Disrupting Everyday Bias. As part of the training, participants are asked to rate a series of photos for warmth and competence. Unbeknownst to the trainees, the last photo is actually of David, pictured in his later years in front of his own private airplane. Hes wearing a warm burgundy sweater and has a soft smile on his face. Having taught this class for a couple of years now, Im always curious to see if anyone recognizes him. I took that class myself as a trainee, and I recall blurting out excitedly, Thats my cousin! He has changed our industry, and he is a public figure that all airline pilots should recognize.

In my family, Cousin David is a point of pride. However, it was the experience of my own discovery flight that made me realize being a pilot was something I too could love. At age 13, when I declared that I wanted to become a pilot, who did my grandparents immediately refer me to? Cousin David, of course. The first thing he did was encourage me to join the military, saying that it was one of the best ways to get trained as a pilot. He said things like, Theyll train you and you get paid to learn how to fly! and Its the standard for flight training in this country. I followed Davids advice and eventually entered the Naval Academy to train as a pilot.

During my time there and afterward, I came to appreciate how Davids legacy changed the course of my life. There was a time in the United States when Black people like us didnt have the same legal rights as white people, and wouldnt have had access to the same education, opportunities, and even basic treatment as white people. But thanks to pioneers like David, who had the courage to lead by example, break through barriers, and not take no for an answer, I can be a commercial airline pilot todayand so can you!

In keeping with the family formula of paying it forward, Ive taken up the mantle of mentorship Ive learned from Cousin David and others in my family. Ive helped develop an amazing sisterhood, Sisters of the Skies, which has been able to provide scholarships, mentorship, and the incredible experience of flight to a whole new generation of pilots. It is our hope that members of the group will create their own historic milestones in aviation history.

Throughout life, there will be people who want to hold others back while some make it their mission to lift others up. I wonder how far we could go if we all lifted each other up, if we celebrated our differences, and worked together to reach new heights.

Each of us can be a powerful example for others. My advice is to be your best self. Lift each other up. We still have so much left to achieve. Reach for the sky!

Stephanie Hartsfield,
on behalf of Sisters of the Skies