Page 48 - Appendix A

Dr. Nate Carr

What would you say was the percentage of blacks was in your training class?
In my October 1973- October 1974 class there were only two blacks. One was placed back a

class to join me. The thinking was as a pair we would be happier? Class of approximately 40
students makes the percentage 5%.

Describe how the number of minorities in your pilot training environment compared to your
high school, college and home environment (growing up).
In my Detroit High School class of 3600 students, there were 3000 Jewish. The other 600
comprised Caucasian (WASP), Afro-American, Asian, Latino, Pacific, Native American, etc.
Approximately 200 Blacks out of 3600 or about 5.5%.
College: Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University (graduate) about 5% Black.

Home environment/neighborhood: 80% - 96% Black.

If there was a significant difference describe what impact it had (if any) on your success in
training and why?
th
In kindergarten I was the only Black child. The percentage grew to about 80% Black by 6 grade
as more Afro-American’s moved into the surrounding neighborhood. Having an early exposure
to white’s I saw them in every role, class clown, class dunce, class genesis, star athletes and 2-
left foot athletes. Therefore, I had preconceived notions of whites not being anything special,
just normal people. In my family are doctors, lawyers and a Yale lawyer, business owners,
preacher( Grand-Dad), technicians, investors, USAF Colonel (my Dad), two Tuskegee Airman

DOTAs (my Uncle Jimmy was a B-25 pilot) and other professionals.

In your opinion, does it make a difference, in terms of your success, how many other black
pilots are going through training at the same time as you? Why or why not?
For me, an all-white class or with other ethnic classmates does not matter. I like having a Black
Brother in the class. However, if we don’t get along our ethnic background makes no difference.
The color of our skin does not make us best friends forever. It is an instant ice-breaker.

In your opinion, does it make a difference what the racial demographic of your training cadre
or leadership team is? Why or why not? Any specific examples from your experience?

The environment we are raised in, our upbringing and belief system make a big difference how
we will function in a training cadre or interface with a leadership team. The other significant
difference in the racial demographic make-up is the belief system of the members of the
training cadre or leadership team. If the team or leaders are racially motivated it certainly is
beneficial to a check and balance system with a racial mix of people in the demographics.