Black Pilots Celebrate Diversity in Aviation Industry

Denver airport opens new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation to inspire next generation

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Retired United Airlines pilot Captain Willie L. Daniels II recounts his journey into the aviation industry, from watching the first American in space as a child to becoming one of the first Black pilots hired by United in the 1980s. Daniels has since worked to increase diversity in the field, founding the nonprofit Our Shades of Blue and celebrating the accomplishments of pioneering Black aviators like Bessie Coleman and Ed Dwight. The new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation at Denver International Airport aims to further expose young people, especially those of color, to careers in aviation.

Why it matters

The aviation industry has historically lacked diversity, with Black pilots making up only a small fraction of the workforce. Initiatives like the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation aim to inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, helping to create a more inclusive industry that better reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

The details

Retired United Airlines pilot Captain Willie L. Daniels II first became interested in aviation as a child, watching NASA launch the first American into space. Though he initially applied to work at NASA, Daniels instead joined United as a flight attendant in the 1970s before eventually becoming a pilot in 1987 - one of only 34 African American pilots in United's history at the time. Daniels went on to help recruit more minority pilots and founded the nonprofit Our Shades of Blue to connect aviation professionals with students of color. The new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation at Denver International Airport will feature exhibits honoring pioneering Black aviators like Bessie Coleman and Ed Dwight, aiming to inspire the next generation.

  • Daniels joined United as a flight attendant in the 1970s.
  • Daniels became a pilot at United in 1987, one of only 34 African American pilots in the company's history at the time.
  • Daniels established the nonprofit Our Shades of Blue in 1999 to connect aviation professionals with students of color.
  • United Airlines reported in 2023 that 15% of its frontline workers and pilots were Black.

The players

Captain Willie L. Daniels II

A retired United Airlines pilot who recounts his journey into the aviation industry and his efforts to increase diversity in the field.

Bessie Coleman

The first Native American, African American, female pilot in the United States.

Ed Dwight

The first African American astronaut candidate, selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

Denver International Airport

The airport is finishing construction on its Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation, a facility aimed at exposing young people, especially those of color, to careers in aviation.

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What they’re saying

“I'm truly honored to be following in their footsteps, and hopefully in my life, I can lead a lot of young people in the same direction that I've been in the course of my life.”

— Captain Willie L. Daniels II, Retired United Airlines Pilot

“This is a premier facility in the nation, right now first of its kind that will be able to expose young people, general public, to see what airports are all about.”

— Captain Willie L. Daniels II, Retired United Airlines Pilot

What’s next

The Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation at Denver International Airport is scheduled to open as part of the airport's Great Hall Project, providing a new hub to inspire the next generation of diverse aviation professionals.

The takeaway

Initiatives like the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation are crucial in addressing the lack of diversity in the aviation industry, helping to create more opportunities for underrepresented groups and build a workforce that better reflects the communities it serves.