Beginning its national tour in summer of 2011, Black Wings is a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) traveling exhibition that explores dreams of flight, freedom, and the view from above inspired by the Wright brothers. These were not segregated dreams, but for almost 50 years after African Americans took to the skies, the paths to the training and expertise necessary to become a pilot were.

In the 1920s,for example, C. Alfred Anderson, who later became the owner of the Tuskegee Institute Flying School, was denied admission to any of the existing aeronautical schools and instead was forced to purchase his own plane and seek out a private instructor. The enormous impediments black aviators overcame and the important contributions they went on to make should be shared as widely as possible. Black Wings charts the groundbreaking, history-making, and patriotic paths of some very valiant men and women. This group of aviators is extraordinary; from Bessie Coleman securing a pilot’s license, through the Tuskegee Airmen and the integration of our armed forces, to Guy Bluford in space, the exhibition and its related content reveal a moving adventure and spirit of path finding.

This exhibition was generously supported by the MetLife Foundation. By providing innovative programs such as Black Wings, MetLife Foundation continues its legacy of supporting programs that celebrate the heritage and achievements of the African American community.

Q. Who was the first American to receive an international pilot's license? More on #BlackWings? Follow us!

A. Texas-born Bessie Coleman received her license in France on June 15, 1921.