Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Honoring Black Aviators
In 1964, Capt. Dave Harris joined American, becoming the first Black pilot for a major passenger airline.
To commemorate, American hosted its inaugural Legacy of Firsts event dedicated to honoring Black aviators and the founding fathers of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.
We had the opportunity to capture this special evening on film so that all could share in the celebration.
Project Title: Honoring Black Aviators: A Legacy of Firsts in Aviation
Objective: To celebrate the achievements of Capt. Dave Harris, the first Black pilot for a major passenger airline, and honor the founding members of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. This Legacy of Firsts event showcased American Airlines’ commitment to diversity, inclusion, and historical recognition, amplifying the voices of Black aviators and inspiring employees through storytelling.
My Role:
Creative Direction & Oversight: Partnered with DEI and communications teams to develop a storytelling approach that authentically captured the significance of the event.
Content Strategy & Messaging: Designed a multi-platform content strategy, ensuring the story was adapted for internal, social, and media audiences to maximize reach.
Agency Collaboration: Worked with an external video agency to develop post-event edits, curating the final narrative to highlight the event’s impact and significance.
Team Leadership: Led the Creative Services team in shaping consistent, high-quality visual and editorial content.
Stakeholder Integration: Ensured final messaging and content aligned with American Airlines’ DEI initiatives and corporate values.
Challenges & Considerations:
Post-Event Storytelling: Much of the content had to be shaped after the event, requiring adaptability to craft a cohesive, compelling narrative from available footage.
Multi-Platform Adaptation: Content was tailored for multiple audiences, ensuring the core message remained strong across internal communications, social media, and press channels.
Outcome & Impact:
Media Recognition – The video and campaign received significant external media attention, positioning American Airlines as a leader in diversity storytelling.
Employee Engagement – The project deepened internal awareness and appreciation of aviation pioneers, boosting employee pride and morale.
Legacy & DEI Leadership – Reinforced American Airlines’ role in celebrating diversity and inclusion in aviation, setting a precedent for future cultural storytelling initiatives.