Hi Everyone!
Do you ever think that daily , without hesitation, we jump on planes, watch the flight attendants go through their routine of showing us where the exit signs are and listen to the pilot as he or she tells us that we are flying at 30 thousand feet, that there was a time when these jobs weren't open to people of color? Today, no matter what race or nationality these people are, we take it for granted that they are qualified in their jobs to get us safely from from point A to point B.
There was a time when Black Americans, no matter their expertise or qualifications, were not allowed to fly planes for or serve passengers on a major airline.
Today, I am proud to introduce you to a few people who took to the skies, broke color barriers and made history.
Fasten your seat belts, it is going to be a smooth and enlightening ride.
Welcome to the first leg of our trip aboard the American Airlines flight through history. Our pilot is Captain David Harris, the first African American Pilot to be hired by a major airline. Captain Harris was born in 1934 in Columbus, Ohio. He is a graduate of Ohio State University and joined the Air Force where he graduated from advanced flight training in 1958. He began flying Boeing B-47 Stratojets and then B-52's. He left the Air Force in 1964 and applied for a pilot's position at American Airlines. Captain Harris hassaid that so many of the Tuskegee Airmen came before him but were discriminated against because the nation wasn't ready to have African-American pilots. He came along at the right time with the right stuff to break the barrier. Captain David Harris retired from American Airlines in 1994 after flying for the airline for 30 years. (Thanks to D.R. Stewart of the Tulsa World Harold)
The second leg of our trip will be on Mohawk Airlines where Ruth Carol Taylor, the first African-American Stewardess in the United States, will be serving us. Racial Desegregation in December of1957, caused Mohawk Airlines to hire Ms. Taylor. Sadly, Ms. Taylor's career as a Stewardess ended six months after it began when she became a married women. Airlines would not allow any woman who was married or became pregnant to be a stewardess. Regardless of this discriminatory practice, Ruth Carol Taylor made history.
Gather your things, we must hurry to catch a United Airlines flight where Captain William R. Norwood will be piloting a 747 through history. Captain Norwood is the first African American Pilot hired by United Airlines and the first African American to achieve the rank of captain at the airline. Captain Norwood was born and raised in Centralia, Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. A man of firsts, he was the first black quarterback on SIU's football team. He was inspired while in school by a teacher who was member of the Tuskegee Airmen Black fighter squadron. Captain Norwood began flying in ROTC at SIU before flying B-52's for the Strategic Air Command in the U.S. Air Force for six years. When he left the service he applied at both American Airlines and United, and because his family had flown on United and enjoyed the service on the flights, he took the job as a pilot for United Airlines. He retired in 1996 after thirty years of service. In the grand hall of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago hangs a United Airlines plane with the name Captain William R. Norwood under the pilot window.
We are almost at the end of our trip and we have one more short flight to catch on Atlantic Southwest Airlines. Flight Attendant (they aren't called Stewardess anymore) Diana Galloway greets us as we enter the plane, while Robin Rogers makes sure our bags are stored properly. 4-Captain Rachelle Jones and First Officer Stephanie Grant are preparing the cockpit. Have you realized it yet? This flight is staffed by an all female, African American flight crew. In 2009, these four women didn't know that flight 5202 from Atlanta to Nashville would make history.
As we cruise along on this final leg and gaze out of the window we must remember the ones that flew through these clouds leaving a jet stream so that the aviators we just spoke about could move forward on their path.
Pilot Bessie Coleman was the first African American to earn an international pilot's license. She flew planes and performed stunts at air shows despite the racism. In 1920 Ms. Coleman was living in Chicago and had decided she wanted to be a pilot. She found a sponsor in Robert Abbott, founder and publisher of the Chicago Defender. There weren't any African American pilots in the area and the white pilots wouldn't teach her. Mr. Abbott told her to go to France to learn. The French weren't racists and were the world leaders in aviation, so off she went. On June 15, 1921, she completed training and was awarded her Federation Aeronautique Internationale pilot's license . She flew all over Europe performing in air shows and came back to the U.S. in 1922. Ms. Coleman founded an aviation school for all races and was affectionately called "Queen Bess". Pilot Bessie Coleman was killed in a plane accident on April 30, 1926, and is buried at Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. She is recognized as a hero of early aviation.
The Tuskegee Airmen were young black men who came from all over the country to enlist in the U.S. Air Force to become the first black military airmen. These men wanted to serve their country during World War II. Some were trained to fly single -engine planes and later they became twin-engine pilots, navigators or bombardiers. Even though people thought that black people lacked intelligence, courage, or skill, most of these men were college graduates or were still in undergraduate school. Others were required to take comprehensive entrance exams. All worked and trained as hard as any other airman. From 1941-1946, 996 pilots graduated from Tuskegee Army Air Field receiving commissions and pilot wings. Navigators, bombardiers and gunnery crews were trained at other military bases. Mechanics were trained at Chanute Air Force base in Rantoul, Illinois. The Tuskegee Airmen served overseas in either the 99th Pursuit Squadron or the 332nd Fight Group. They flew in combat in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. These airmen flew to protect their country only to land and have to fight racism. In 1945, when these honored men who fought proudly and effectively returned home from the war they were not allowed to obtain jobs as pilots for airlines. They did, however, inspire men and women to not give up and to work hard to break the barriers of racism in the skies.
Well, the Captain has told us to fasten our seat belts and prepare for landing. We have met some great people on this flight through history. The wheels touch the runway and as we depart the plane we say thank you to Bessie Coleman, The Tuskegee Airmen, Flight Attendant Ruth Carol Taylor, American Airline Captain David Harris, United Airline Captain William R. Norwood, and the history making all female flight crew of Atlantic Southwest Airline Flight 5202, and all the African American trailblazers in aviation for a safe flight back home.
Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!
Bonnie DeShong
Co-host of The Traveling Eye
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
In the New Egypt
Good evening,
It's 11:00pm in Cairo, Egypt on Friday, Febuary 25th. I am with a group of 12 who decided to travel after majority of their group members decided other options. We started out with a group of 93. These 12 passengers wanted to travel to Egypt now, so I decided to travel with them. They, or I should say we are excited to be here. The feeling is electric and we have nick named ourselves the Marines ("the few, the proud....."). We flew via Frankfurt on Lufthansa Airlines on an A360 and while there were plenty of empty seats, our flight was fuller than we expected. When our flight landed, I it felt different than all the other times I've flown into Cairo. Quieter, not as hectic, I felt more noticed but in a good way. I received more smiles from guards and officers and I could feel their excitement that we choose to come.
We were first greeted by our ground company before we got to passport control. Greeted with Egyptian flags, flowers and a joyous welcome, it's apparent that Egypt wants tourists to return. We boarded our bus and headed to dinner at the Al Azhar, a park where families come to dine and spend time together. Everyone was extremely friendly. After our Egyptian Dinner of lentil soup, hummus, garlic yogurt, babaganoush, grilled shrimp, fried fish and oriental rice, we headed to our hotel, The Conrad Hilton. Oh, I have to tell you about the freshest mango juice. it tasted like they took a fully ripe mango or two and pureed it. After our long day of flights this was extemely refreshing. As we pulled up to the Conrad Hilton I was a little jarred by the lack of room lights. While I expected low occupancy, I've never seen Egypt like this, especially a hotel the size and caliber of the Conrad Hilton. it's usually bustling with business men and tourists. We pratically have the hotel to ourselves. Well, I'm calling it a night because I've been up and traveling since 7am central time from Chicago and it's now been a day and a half without rest and tommorrow we have an early start to a long day of touring starting with the Pyramids of Giza. Can't wait to see who else is there!
It's 11:00pm in Cairo, Egypt on Friday, Febuary 25th. I am with a group of 12 who decided to travel after majority of their group members decided other options. We started out with a group of 93. These 12 passengers wanted to travel to Egypt now, so I decided to travel with them. They, or I should say we are excited to be here. The feeling is electric and we have nick named ourselves the Marines ("the few, the proud....."). We flew via Frankfurt on Lufthansa Airlines on an A360 and while there were plenty of empty seats, our flight was fuller than we expected. When our flight landed, I it felt different than all the other times I've flown into Cairo. Quieter, not as hectic, I felt more noticed but in a good way. I received more smiles from guards and officers and I could feel their excitement that we choose to come.
We were first greeted by our ground company before we got to passport control. Greeted with Egyptian flags, flowers and a joyous welcome, it's apparent that Egypt wants tourists to return. We boarded our bus and headed to dinner at the Al Azhar, a park where families come to dine and spend time together. Everyone was extremely friendly. After our Egyptian Dinner of lentil soup, hummus, garlic yogurt, babaganoush, grilled shrimp, fried fish and oriental rice, we headed to our hotel, The Conrad Hilton. Oh, I have to tell you about the freshest mango juice. it tasted like they took a fully ripe mango or two and pureed it. After our long day of flights this was extemely refreshing. As we pulled up to the Conrad Hilton I was a little jarred by the lack of room lights. While I expected low occupancy, I've never seen Egypt like this, especially a hotel the size and caliber of the Conrad Hilton. it's usually bustling with business men and tourists. We pratically have the hotel to ourselves. Well, I'm calling it a night because I've been up and traveling since 7am central time from Chicago and it's now been a day and a half without rest and tommorrow we have an early start to a long day of touring starting with the Pyramids of Giza. Can't wait to see who else is there!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Evolution of Cruising
Last Friday on our show we had special guest, Ines Turus, President and CEO of Cruises International to talk about the evolution of cruising. The key points to the conversation were the following:
The new ships that launched in 2010 and are being launched in 2011 especially the mega ships where entertainment, food and cabins have been upgraded from the standard concept of the cruise experience from yesteryear.
The new ships that launched in 2010 and are being launched in 2011 especially the mega ships where entertainment, food and cabins have been upgraded from the standard concept of the cruise experience from yesteryear.
- Multiple dining options from buffet to high end
- Freestyle cruising that's not regimented
- Larger cabins and more categories
- Elevated spa services and facilities
- Although there are some last minute deals out there it's best to book the moment you know you want to cruise and have set a date. Last minute deals are often for less desirable cabins and for those who are more flexible with dates and destinations.
Should you use a cruise agent or DIY?
- Using a cruise agent can get you better deals, added value and information. Cruise agencies like Cruises International will often have group blocks of cabins that individuals can benefit from. Those benefits include discounted rates, cabin selections and availability that may otherwise be sold out, shipboard credits and other amenities.
How to select a cruise?
- It's best to use a cruise agent if you don't know how to select a cruise. They can ask you the right questions on what you're looking for in a vacation experience and guide you to the ship & destinations rather than destination alone.
During my phone interview with Ines she shared with me that the best kept secret is river cruising. River cruising is a great alternative to contemporary cruising. These ships are smaller and offer different ports of call that the larger ships cannot get to.
Cruises International is hosting the Cruise & Vacation Expo on January 29 & 30. For more information http://www.cruisesinternational.cruiseshipcenters.com/
Ja'Vonne Harley
Host, The Traveling Eye http://www.thetravelingeye.com/
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Travelers Ten Commandments
Years ago one of my travelers gave me great information and advice in the form of Travelers Ten Commandments to share with the group. While this is written with group travel in mind it's a good credo for all travelers to live by.
Travelers Ten Commandments
(1) Thou shalt relax…relax…relax…and put thy trust in God and thy Tour Escorts.
(2) Thou shalt not take anything to seriously for a carefree attitude is the beginning of an enjoyable and relaxing vacation.
(3) Thou shalt not worry…he who worrieth hath no pleasure. (Few things are fatal)
(4) Thou shalt spend thy time and money while on this trip according to thine own decision, regardless of what others may or may not do.
(5) Thou shalt not permit other travelers to spoil thy trip for which thou hast paid lots of money to enjoy.
(6) Thou shalt be thankful for the privilege of traveling with this special group of special people…all of whom have left their personal problems, family problems, heath problems, past mistakes, past accomplishments, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, at home.
(7) Thou shalt appreciate thy roommate and fellow travelers for his/her considerations and courtesies to you throughout this trip.
(8) Thou shalt appreciate thy roommate for not monopolizing the bathroom.
(9) Thou shalt be on time for group activities.
(10) Thou shalt remember we represent our God, our country, our state, our city, our family, our people and ourselves when traveling…as well as when we are home.
Ja'Vonne Harley
Travelers Ten Commandments
(1) Thou shalt relax…relax…relax…and put thy trust in God and thy Tour Escorts.
(2) Thou shalt not take anything to seriously for a carefree attitude is the beginning of an enjoyable and relaxing vacation.
(3) Thou shalt not worry…he who worrieth hath no pleasure. (Few things are fatal)
(4) Thou shalt spend thy time and money while on this trip according to thine own decision, regardless of what others may or may not do.
(5) Thou shalt not permit other travelers to spoil thy trip for which thou hast paid lots of money to enjoy.
(6) Thou shalt be thankful for the privilege of traveling with this special group of special people…all of whom have left their personal problems, family problems, heath problems, past mistakes, past accomplishments, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, at home.
(7) Thou shalt appreciate thy roommate and fellow travelers for his/her considerations and courtesies to you throughout this trip.
(8) Thou shalt appreciate thy roommate for not monopolizing the bathroom.
(9) Thou shalt be on time for group activities.
(10) Thou shalt remember we represent our God, our country, our state, our city, our family, our people and ourselves when traveling…as well as when we are home.
Ja'Vonne Harley
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Protect our Historical Sites
Last week our show was on Travel Trends for 2011 and while we’re looking at the year ahead we should also look at the years beyond. As I return to some of the same destinations and historical sites over the years, I’m seeing a rapidly changing environment. From carbon emissions to stupid and irresponsible tourists we’re destroying the very things we treasure and marvel. There are some ways you can give back to preserve these historical sites, make sure they’re around for generations to come and protect our planet. Offset your carbon footprints by donating to organizations like Go Zero, Find ways to use less paper like forgoing the printed boarding pass and downloading it to your cell phone, and be mindful of your actions and interactions when you travel and remember one of my favorite quotes…leave only footprints and take only memories when you travel.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Travel Trends for 2011
After reflecting and sharing with you my top ten experiences in 2010 I started looking ahead to 2011. I have decided not to make a resolution rather I've pulled from news stories from the past year and read through my travel subscriptions to see what others had to say about what's to come in 2011. From all the materials I've reviewed and agreed with here's my pick for Travel Trends in 2011.
Destinations:
Old favorites are reemerging like Italy, Spain & Turkey; I chose these destinations because a lot of my clients are asking for them. They actually started asking in 2010 but for travel in 2011. I've also noticed a lot of activity from the tourist boards promoting to the US market. While these destinations have been favorites for the US market for a very long time, I'm noticing even those who've been before want to go again. For Italy, Tuscany is at the top of the list along with the Amalfi Coast and of course the food and wine. This may have to do with the movie Eat, Pray, Love. For Spain, Barcelona is still at the top of the list for its nightlife but Bilbao is getting some attention. I visited Bilbao a couple of years ago and fell in love with the city. It's small, easy to navigate and has a lot of local charm. The only down side is the limited selections of hotels in Bilbao. The plus is the food, shopping and the Guggenheim Museum! Turkey was also one of my favorite experiences for 2010 so if you read my earlier post you'll see what it's being talked about for 2011.
Another trend I'm seeing is small towns. Vacationers are looking for small town charm and local favorites as opposed to big cities.
Airlines:
Major airlines have already implemented a fare increase for domestic and international flights. With concern of rising fuel costs, limited inventory and the need for profit don't expect to see heavy discounts across the board. In my search for airfares for groups to the Caribbean & Europe I'm noticing significant increases over 2010 for the same destinations. For example from the US to Aruba over the same period last year is $100 - $400 more.
Fees:
Don't expect them to go away. I also don't expect to too many new ones. The government is looking into the matter of taxing fees as revenue and with the exception of pay toilets and overhead bins what's left, oh wait Spirit Airlines IS charging for overhead bins. LOL
Travel Currency (I learned this phrase from Travel & Leisure)
While the concept and knowledge of this is not new to me, the term is. If I'm late on this please excuse me. Airlines, hotels, car rental companies, credit card companies, etc. are all weighing in. These are points, bonuses and loyalty programs but it's not just for your the program you're a member of. You could literally earn and use points for added value on your vacation or travels. They're not just for upgrades anymore.
Group Coupon Programs
Last year I became a member of Groupon, Social Living and KGBdeals and have taken advantage of some fabulous deals in my home town of Chicago. I've also used them when I've traveled home to DC. These are great to use when you travel, especially for spa services and restaurants.
Overall, I am finding that Americans are more confident in traveling and are loosening the purse strings. The corporate contracts that were canceled or put on hold for me in 2009 & 2010 are planning for incentive trips in 2011 and promotional tours & festivals are showing early interest.
I hope you too look to travel in 2011! But before you do, check baggage fees as part of your fare comparison, take an assessment of your travel programs and loyalties for extra benefits, clip coupons and visit a small town to rub elbows with the locals, you'll find them more engaging.
Listen to www.thetravelingeye.com Friday, January 7, 2011 from 11am - Noon Central time for more information.
"Remember the world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page" St. Augustine
Ja'Vonne Harley
Host, The Traveling Eye, www.thetravelingeye.com
Owner, Advantage International, LLC www.advantage-intl.com
Destinations:
Old favorites are reemerging like Italy, Spain & Turkey; I chose these destinations because a lot of my clients are asking for them. They actually started asking in 2010 but for travel in 2011. I've also noticed a lot of activity from the tourist boards promoting to the US market. While these destinations have been favorites for the US market for a very long time, I'm noticing even those who've been before want to go again. For Italy, Tuscany is at the top of the list along with the Amalfi Coast and of course the food and wine. This may have to do with the movie Eat, Pray, Love. For Spain, Barcelona is still at the top of the list for its nightlife but Bilbao is getting some attention. I visited Bilbao a couple of years ago and fell in love with the city. It's small, easy to navigate and has a lot of local charm. The only down side is the limited selections of hotels in Bilbao. The plus is the food, shopping and the Guggenheim Museum! Turkey was also one of my favorite experiences for 2010 so if you read my earlier post you'll see what it's being talked about for 2011.
Another trend I'm seeing is small towns. Vacationers are looking for small town charm and local favorites as opposed to big cities.
Airlines:
Major airlines have already implemented a fare increase for domestic and international flights. With concern of rising fuel costs, limited inventory and the need for profit don't expect to see heavy discounts across the board. In my search for airfares for groups to the Caribbean & Europe I'm noticing significant increases over 2010 for the same destinations. For example from the US to Aruba over the same period last year is $100 - $400 more.
Fees:
Don't expect them to go away. I also don't expect to too many new ones. The government is looking into the matter of taxing fees as revenue and with the exception of pay toilets and overhead bins what's left, oh wait Spirit Airlines IS charging for overhead bins. LOL
Travel Currency (I learned this phrase from Travel & Leisure)
While the concept and knowledge of this is not new to me, the term is. If I'm late on this please excuse me. Airlines, hotels, car rental companies, credit card companies, etc. are all weighing in. These are points, bonuses and loyalty programs but it's not just for your the program you're a member of. You could literally earn and use points for added value on your vacation or travels. They're not just for upgrades anymore.
Group Coupon Programs
Last year I became a member of Groupon, Social Living and KGBdeals and have taken advantage of some fabulous deals in my home town of Chicago. I've also used them when I've traveled home to DC. These are great to use when you travel, especially for spa services and restaurants.
Overall, I am finding that Americans are more confident in traveling and are loosening the purse strings. The corporate contracts that were canceled or put on hold for me in 2009 & 2010 are planning for incentive trips in 2011 and promotional tours & festivals are showing early interest.
I hope you too look to travel in 2011! But before you do, check baggage fees as part of your fare comparison, take an assessment of your travel programs and loyalties for extra benefits, clip coupons and visit a small town to rub elbows with the locals, you'll find them more engaging.
Listen to www.thetravelingeye.com Friday, January 7, 2011 from 11am - Noon Central time for more information.
"Remember the world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page" St. Augustine
Ja'Vonne Harley
Host, The Traveling Eye, www.thetravelingeye.com
Owner, Advantage International, LLC www.advantage-intl.com
Monday, January 3, 2011
Ja'Vonne's Top 10 for 2010
Wow, I cannot believe that 2010 has come and gone. Each new year brings about reflection and resolution. While I'm still working on my resolution, I have reflected and want to share with you the 10 things I remembered and well just thought were significant in my travel experience in the past year!
- My most unique experience was the Fish Spa in Macau. You submerge your feet in pools and tiny "Garra Rufa or Doctor Fish" eat the dead skin from your feet. Exhilarating, weird and sensational!
- Best food experience was also in Macau. They have a fantastic blend of Portuguese, Angolan and Chinese all put together creating Macanese cuisine. Drunken Sauna Prawns, the largest prawn I've ever seen, African chicken, Portuguese egg tarts, Chinese dumplings and great Portuguese wines, what more can I say?
- Finally experiencing a Huka or Hooka, along a narrow street in Istanbul, Turkey. I felt old world, exotic and mysterious. I'm not a smoker but I just had to try it. The water pipe with flavored tabacco. I went for strawberry.
- My best shopping experience was in Turkey. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was overwhelming and fascinating. I got a beautiful marquisite and silver ring that I get loads of compliments on. But that's not all. The scarves, the jewelry, the shoes, the clothes...And, I'm not a shopper.
- I was most surprised by the excellent Turkish wines and chocolates! My favorites were the dark chocolate covered almonds. Almond inside with a candy coating and finished with powdered dark chocolate, ummmm.
- I was most disappointed by the carry-on baggage fee from Spirit Airlines. Now, I'm not so bent out of shape over checked baggage fees but this was ridiculous!
- The new TSA pat down. My first "new" TSA pat down was not so bad. Everything was explained to me and the agent was gentle. She did a thorough but gentle job. The most recent one on Christmas eve on my journey home for the holidays was quite aggressive and now I can see what the fuss is about. This agent explained everything but I received what I can only describe as a couple of karate chops to the crotch. She did not have to be that rough. I guess it depends on who you have and I think she was not happy about having to do her job as she stated "I'm too old for this".
- Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library in Springfield, IL. I was surprised and impressed by this museum. I learned much more about Abraham Lincoln than I had ever known. The museum is state of the art with holographic images and a wealth of information. The must see is the CNN room, where they do a televised CNN report and coverage of the candidates from the presidential election of 1860.
- Road Trip to Cleveland Ohio! I know, who'd a thunk it? I got on a roller coaster for the first time in nearly 20 years! I ate duck fat fries actually called Animal Style Frites on the menu at the Greenhouse Tavern. It was Iron Chef Michael Symon's favorite on Best Thing I Ever Ate "Fried Food" episode and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have the dog slippers from Parliaments Atomic Dog!
- Due to a flight delay it took me 10 hours to fly from Chicago to New York. I really don't need to elaborate on this. Enough said!
Well there you have it. Ja'Vonne's top 10 for 2010! Here's to a bright new year and more wonderful travel experiences in 2011!
Ja'Vonne Harley
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye http://www.thetravelingeye.com/
Owner, Advantage International http://www.advantage-intl.com/
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