HER-story: What Black Woman Broke Racial Barriers in Aviation, Today?
Celebrating The Achievement of Black Women of African Descent
Breaking Barriers: Ruth Carol Taylor, The First Black Flight Attendant
Hey Sis,
We’re still rolling with the history of women of African descent, for week two of Black History Month! Whenever you get on a flight and are greeted by an airhostess or host have you ever considered that at one point, working for an airline or as an airhost or hostess was only reserved for white folk? Let me tell you about the first ever airhostess of African descent that broke racial barriers sixty-seven years ago, today the 11th of February, when she put on her uniform and stepped onto the plane!
On the 11th of February 1958, Ruth Carol Taylor (27th of December 1931-12th of May 2023) made history as the first woman of African descent flight attendant, in the United States. Her journey was not just about achieving a personal milestone, she accomplished this not only for herself but for us as Black women, by breaking racial barriers in the aviation industry. For Black women around the world, Ruth’s story is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the relentless pursuit of equality.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts, Ruth Carol Taylor was raised during the peak of racial segregation. Despite this she clearly set out to make something of herself. She pursued a nursing degree at the Bellevue School of Nursing in New York, preparing for a career in a field where Black women were often marginalised at this time, but funny enough today when it comes to the caring profession Black women (certainly in Europe where I’m from and specifically the UK), dominate this field.
A Dream Takes Flight
In the 1950s, the aviation industry was a space dominated by white faces and employees, discriminatory hiring practices made it almost impossible for Black folk to gain employment. In 1957, when Mohawk Airlines announced it was hiring flight attendants, Ruth saw an opportunity. She didn’t let her race and the fact that no Black woman had ever gained access to this type of employment before, hold her back. Ruth, therefore, is an example of how Black women have managed to achieve and survive in the face of double oppression by way of race and gender discrimination, while in 2025 almost seventy years later we’ve got men like Umar Johnson sitting on the Internet telling Black women, “don’t expect a finished Black man, or for him to achieve much due to white supremacy” which I wrote about last week… but, I digress.
Despite the deep-seated racism in the industry, Ruth bagged the job. On the 11th of February 1958, she became the first Black flight attendant in U.S. history. However, her time was short-lived, this was due to sex discrimination based on policies in place at the time. Just six months after breaking this barrier, Ruth was forced to resign due to the airline’s policy then that forced flight attendants to resign once they got married. This may have impacted men too, but let’s face it more likely this was a gender based practice of the late 1950’s to keep women out of the workplace and tied to the kitchen sink.
Fighting for Civil Rights
It appears that her experience fuelled a passion for equality activism, Ruth dedicated herself to fighting for civil rights and equality. She became an outspoken advocate against discrimination in employment, pushing for more Black women to enter industries that were closed to them due to their race.
Ruth, The Writer
Ruth authored The Little Black Book: Black Male Survival in America, a guide aimed at helping Black men navigate systemic racism and oppression. While this is a good thing, I think it highlights what I wrote about a few week’s back, that being “pro-Black” has historically meant for Black women we should be “pro-Black male” and place their needs before ours, where was our handbook?? Surely, we needed one too, but if we look at history we can clearly see some how we’ve been out here surviving just about.
Her commitment to justice while alive was not just about race, she was also an advocate for women’s rights and healthcare reform.
A Legacy That Inspires
Ruth passed away in May 2023, she was ninety -one years old. Today, Ruth’s achievement can be seen as an inspiration to many Black women, pursuing careers in aviation and other fields where they have been historically underrepresented. The industry has come a long way since 1958, but her story reminds us that progress is built upon the courage of those who dare to challenge societal norms.
For millennial Black women, Ruth’s journey is a powerful example of resilience. Her story teaches us that representation matters, and every barrier broken creates opportunities for future generations.
As we remember her work and contributions this Black history month and especially today the day that she was employed as the first women of African descent as an airhostess, let us continue to be “pro-Black women,” knowing that the sky is not the limit—it is only the beginning.
If you missed the last Her-story for Black History Month catch up here
Much love
The Black Woman Essayist
Ps. I always love to share this, if you love Black history as much as I do check out Urban Intellectuals’ range of Black history flash cards here, they even have a deck especially for Black women. They also have a range of clothing, cups, bags and other fun stuff that’s all Black history focused you can check out here.