Black Pilots Matter

Black Pilots Matter, The Kenneth Morris Story

Kenneth Morris being the oldest of 7 and the only boy, originally from 5th Ward Houston Tx. Growing up in a rough environment, something to the likes of New Jack City, Kenneth used the military as way to circumvent any potential mis happenings of the highly exploited story line and origin story of “The Black

Man escaping the ghetto.” Contrary to

Hollywood's belief, Black men like Kenneth can come from loving homes and have an actual childhood. But we digress.

“Go Be a Cook or Something.”

By going into the military, that became the 1st experience Kenneth had on a plane as well as the 1st time being outside of Houston. Being able to get into aviation, because he scored so high on the entrance exam, despite coming from a low GPA in high school career, Kenneth was actually suspected of cheating and had to take the test over again, where he then scored even higher on the exam. For readers at home, that’s what we like to call Black excellence. Even after qualifying to go into aviation, Kenneth was still recommended to go into a different field or even become a cook. Can you believe that? Putting that bad career advice aside, Kenneth chose to go into aviation, knowing that 80% of people fail out or cannot complete it. Oh, but Kenneth was not in that number, he completed all the requirements and was able to fly and see many places all over the world.

“The most rewarding part is be able to give back and help young people explore the industry and get exposed to it. ”

Never growing up seeing black or Hispanic pilots, aviation was never even on Kenneths radar. Aviation essentially chose him, and he hasn’t looked back since. But he has been able to make an impact in the city of Houston by simply bringing awareness to the next generation that aviation is not only possible but accessible.

“One of my Proudest moments, was being able to meet, experience and then get the 1st black female pilot in Texas, inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame.”

Azelia White passed away at 106yrs old. She was the first black woman to get her pilots license in the state of Texas in 1946. While going to get a haircut, Kenneth’s barber of 15 years points out a family across the street that he believed to be in aviation also but of an older generation and definitely retired. Of course, suggesting that Kenneth go over and have a chat with the family and see just meet someone else in the community.

After 3 or 4 attempt to catch the family at a good time he finally was able to be let inside, since he clearly wasn’t a reporter and meant Mrs. White no harm, he was granted access to priceless and unimaginable insight on the history of aviation through the eyes of Mrs. Azelia White herself. Being so grateful for the experience but also a bit upset that she wasn’t being recognized for her achievements or even celebrated for paving the way for literally everyone else. Kenneth was able to work with Aviation Hall of Fame for Texas and get Mrs. White an interview with his CO a 3-star general and even he was blown away from her story. This all resulted in her being accepted and inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame of Texas that same year. The true definition of community and giving someone their roses while they are still with us.

Still to this day she is still the only black one to be inducted into the Aviation Hall of fame outside of Betsy Coleman.

What do you think about the increase in our community traveling more and further away from home?

Him: Black travel movement has really helped people's perspectives on life. Being subjected to only what you see on social media and what you hear on the news, you are missing out on what life is truly about. As a pilot my only request is for the community to utilize gojetit.com which is a black owned private jet company. Fun fact: There are only 2 black people that are in the CEO position in the entire industry. My friend Glenn Gonzales, the CEO of Gojetit.com, who is also from Houston and the second is the president from United airlines. So, when you think about that next group trip, know that there are black pilot entrepreneurs that you can support and experience quality.

Is there space for us in the industry?

90% of industry are older white men getting ready to retire. Within the next 10 years we will need over 400k pilots. We will essentially have more planes that we have pilots. To be honest, we are already at the beginning of a pilot shortage. So yes, there is definitely space in the industry for us, but the first hurdle is seeing pilots that look like us. Contrary to belief, flying a plane is a lot easier than it seems, you just need training. Which is why I everything I learned; I have brought back to Houston to teach the kids in my organization.

Why should the community aspire to be in the aviation industry?

Growing up, in predominately black neighborhoods, you are starved of exposure besides sports, entertainment and music. That what you are around and practice the most you, you do the best. The lack of awareness is what prevents us from pursuing these careers. But once they know that its obtainable then, its just a matter of why not? Besides the money, meeting celebrity after celebrity, the exposure to different cultures and people and the understanding that you gain from it, is worth all the riches in the world.

Just so we are clear, it's not just about being a pilot, you can be a pilot's attorneys, airline cooks, airplane mechanic, air dispatcher and so much more with in the aviation industry. The real problem is that once people make it, they don’t send the elevator down for others.

Talking about diversity in aviation. Can a change be made?

“We are working in silos of excellence”

4-5% are female and maybe 1% of that is black. A lot of grass roots organizations that are making impact in our communities to increase awareness and opportunity such as my organization the Aviation Community Foundation, as well as Black Pilots of America, Latino Pilots of America, Legacy Flight Academy, Sisters Of The Skies , an even National Gay Pilots of America to name a few. So, there are organization out there that are working towards the same cause in different parts of the county. Unfortunately, we are a lot alike, in that we don’t have a lot of resources, funding, notoriety ect. To let people, know all the positive things that we are doing or what is going on. And on top of that we aren't necessarily working together, instead we are what I like to call ‘Working in silos of excellence.’ For example, the mayor of Houston knows me as the guy who gets kids into planes. But outside of Houston, I am not as known. Working together can bring so much more awareness and impact to so many communities.

Tell us more about your foundation.

Aviation community foundation purpose is to innovate, motivate and inspire change in the youth. We actually do work with other organizations and share resources and even help train other organizations on how to reach and improve their approach on connecting with the youth. Here in Houston, we focus on taking our own youth and having them engage with professionals in the industry as well as going up into the air. We are here to provide exposure awareness, but also just adding another option on the career choice questionnaire of life.

SYP and Celebrate is an interactive wine tasting series and in June we will be celebrating Black revolutionaries in the wine industry. Hosted by wrapista and wine lover, Mo Groves, come learn about Black winemakers and share your palate. Bring your favorite Black -owned wine and let's discover it's characteristics as we celebrate Juneteenth. This event is open to all. If you are outside of the US and would like to attend please contact us at headwrapsandwine@gmail.com

JUNETEENTH for Joy is a TODAY experience of the world that works for us. For just one day, immerse yourself in joyful freedom to remind yourself exactly what we're working together for. Take a mental health DAY OFF on Saturday, June 19. Stay away from the things that destroy your joy. Turn off the news. Safely gather with your loved ones. Eat fresh, nourishing foods. Surround yourself with visuals that heal you from the trauma. Listen to that bop.