Journalist and nurse
Ruth Carol Taylor became the first African American airline flight attendant in
the United States when she joined Mohawk Airlines in 1958.
However it was
Patricia Banks who paved the way. After graduating from Grace Downs Air Career School
in 1956 pursued a career as a flight attendant and was repeatedly
denied employment by several airlines for such reasons as age, poor eyesight and the need for
dental work.
During a subsequent interview with Capital Airlines, the head
flight attendant finally told Ms. Banks that they did not hire Negroes as
flight attendants. With the support of Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Ms.
Banks filed a complaint against TWA, Mohawk and Capital Airlines with the New
York State Commission Against Discrimination. In 1960, they ruled in favor of
Ms. Banks and ordered Capital Airlines to hire her within 30 days.
Capital Airlines appealed the decision on the basis of jurisdiction stating they are registered in Washington, DC. The New York State Commission advising Capital Airlines that since they operate and hire in New York city they have jurisdiction and therefore the order stands.
Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute
