The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis recently hosted its Aviation Day at St. Louis Lambert International Airport for youth in a mentorship program.
Sponsored by Southwest Airlines, mentees saw the inner workings of the airport, from the ticketing counter to the baggage claim area. They also were granted access to the tarmac to see ground operations, including an airplane de-icing machine, how snacks are loaded onto aircraft and specialized vehicles used to service planes.
“This was more than just a field trip — it was a career-building experience.”
Jeremiah Hawthorne, president of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis
The tour also included visits to the control centers for Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, giving students an understanding of the coordination and precision required to keep air travel running smoothly.
“This was more than just a field trip — it was a career-building experience,” said Jeremiah Hawthorne, president of the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. “Our goal is to open doors and expand our mentees’ vision for what’s possible. Aviation Day did exactly that.”
A lunch discussion with a Boeing guest focused on career pathways in aviation and aerospace, inspiring students to consider futures in these industries.
“Seeing our students light up as they learned about different roles in aviation was incredible. Opportunities like this give them a competitive edge as they think about their futures,” said Jeray Perkins, a 100 Black Men board member.