Team RDU celebrates Black History Month each February in recognition of the many African-American aviators, airport staff and community leaders who have shaped today’s landscape and paved the way for future flyers.
This year, we’re recognizing some of the trailblazers with ties to RDU and North Carolina who have left their mark on aviation.
Shirley Tyus
South Carolina-born Shirley Tyus began her aviation career as a United Airlines flight attendant in 1972, but her love for piloting brought her to RDU, where she piloted cargo aircraft for Wheeler Airlines. Ultimately, Tyus entered history books as United’s first Black female pilot.
Vernon V. Haywood
The late Vernon V. Haywood served in the U.S. Army Air Force as commanding officer of the 332nd Fighter Group’s 302nd Fighter Squadron. One of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the Raleigh native was one of the U.S. Air Force’s first Black jet pilots and instructors.
Phil Freelon
Even if you aren’t familiar with the name of late Durham architect Phil Freelon, you’ll recognize his work. He was part of the architectural vision of RDU’s Terminal 2, central parking deck and the former Terminal C — as well as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Warren Hervey Wheeler
When Capt. Warren Wheeler began operating Wheeler Flying Service (later Wheeler Airlines) out of RDU in 1973, it became the first Black-owned airline certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The Durham-born Wheeler previously made history as Piedmont Airlines’ first Black pilot in 1966.
Current and Former Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board Chairs
Eight Black men and women have served as chair of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board — the group responsible for developing and overseeing RDU’s policy agenda and governance. The list includes current chair Tammie Hall-Roberts, who began her term in June 2025.
- Farad Ali
- Pete Allison
- Bill Clement
- Bert Collins
- Ken Gibbs
- Ron Gregory
- Tammie Hall-Roberts
- Patrick Hannah