"Few people know the intriguing stories of America's pioneering black aviators who overcame enormous social pressures in order to fly. In 1932, James Herman Banning, accompanied by mechanic Thomas C. Allen, was the first black pilot to successfully complete a transcontinental flight. American aviator Bessie Coleman was the first black pilot to receive a license that was only available to her in Europe. William J. Powell, Sr. organized the Bessie Coleman Aero Club to promote airmindedness in the black community; and Hubert Julian was one of the first licensed pilots who pursued a controversial career as showman and promoter."--Summary from WorldCat