AMERICAN WINGS Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky

Karen Murray's smooth narration soars as she tells the stories of the pivotal men and women whose actions broke the race barrier for Black pilots during the first half of the twentieth century. While the work is extensively researched, both the authors and Murray emphasize individual stories that make the historical figures relatable. Murray recounts, for example, how Cornelius Coffey and John Robinson began as mechanics and fought racism to achieve their dream of becoming pilots before aiding other Black men and women with similar passions to achieve success. These individual efforts opened other piloting pathways for African Americans, as well. Murray captures the moment-to-moment action when describing the thrills of civilian daredevils and flying ace Robinson's battles against Fascist Italian pilots in 1930s wartime Ethiopia. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2024]