Hartsfield-Jackson recognizes Black History Month
By Roishina C. Henderson

“The sky is not the limit.”

That’s Hartsfield-Jackson’s message to students as the Airport recognizes Black History Month in February.

Through the Airport’s Partners in Education community outreach program, Hartsfield-Jackson is hosting several luncheons for students who attend Airport-area middle and high schools. The luncheons, held between February 16 and February 26, give students behind-the-scenes looks at Airport operations and enhance their knowledge of African-American contributions in aviation.

Students from M.D. Roberts Middle School and North Clayton, Tri-Cities, Creekside and South Atlanta high schools will hear insights from Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta and other prominent aviation professionals.

The Airport also is sponsoring an essay contest for the students; this year’s topic is how the election of President Barack Obama will affect the African-American community.

“We want to educate students about the wealth of diversity in the aviation industry and expose them to careers in the industry,” said Tracy Gilbert, Department of Aviation special programs manager. “We also want them to see the mentoring opportunities with prominent African-American aviation professionals.”

Joining in this effort are Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and the Atlanta Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.

In addition to the Partners in Education luncheons and essay contest, the Airport is celebrating the art and music of African-Americans.

The Airport Art Program plans to hold a music series showcasing African-American performers in February. The performances will be held in the Atrium from 5 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday. The lineup:

February 3: Cherisse Stephens
February 10: Yusef Sharif
February 17: Eldridge Simms
February 24: Beverly “Guitar” Watkins

The Airport also features many artworks by African-American artists, including:

Concourse E

Radcliffe Bailey, “Saints” (above escalators)
Lillian Blades, “Quilted Passages” (next to elevator)
Amalia Amaki, “Sojourners” (E5)
Lynn Linnemeier and Sheila Turner, “A Guide to Juke” (E9)
Larry Walker, “Travelers” (E31)

Concourse T

Charlotte Renee Riley, “Africa Textile Wall I-V”

Main terminal

Curtis Patterson, “Ancestral Notions” (South parking deck façade)
Curtis Patterson, “Bright Moments, Bright Moments” (inside meet/greet area)
Carl Joe Williams, “Journeys” (inside meet/greet area)