Page 54 - Appendix A

The 1960s

Clovis Jones 1967
“Upon completion of pre-Flight Training it was time for the real thing, primary Flight Training.
However all was not smooth. While walking with my instructor to the flight line for my first
flight, I was asked if I knew who Jackie Robinson was. I responded that I did and that his cousin
was my neighbor. My instructor then told me that I looked like I was a quote on quote pretty
good athlete and said that I should pursue a career as a baseball player quote on quote because
blacks just don't make good Pilots I was shocked at his Prejudice attitude but more surprised at
his lack of knowledge of outstanding black aviators and their Great accomplishments... It is
imperative that we know in value our history and accomplishments lest we fall victim to the
ignorance of others. I knew of black Aviation Pioneers from my early childhood and I

understood that my instructor was uninformed. Additionally I knew that in spite of the
wonderful history of blacks and Aviation, racist beliefs of this sort could only be countered by
excellent performance not simply by passing the course. Fortunately for me, my flight
Commander, Sam Countryman, and assistant flight Commander dick Strauss, where fair-minded
men who ensured that racial Prejudice would not be an obstacle to my becoming a military
Aviator. (Flying Beyond The Barrier Memoirs by Forty African American Airline Pilots, 2015)