The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-10-07
AVIATEON

The appearance of this article marks
the third attempt of Clarence Nicho-
las, national director Of the Wings
Over Club, to introduce a plan which
the interest of Colored people in avia-
ton may be promoted.
Having been a teacher, promoter
and club director, | feel that | know
the condition affecting those of our
group now standing and graduating
from aviation courses given at public
high schools. Many of these students
have not made progress after gradua
ton and as a result do not give much
encouragement to those who come
after them From a number of inter
views, | find that the greatest draw
back to being accepted into the avia-
ton industry is the lack of practical
experience. Such conditions will con-
tinue unless some person with uncon-
uuerable belief works persistently to
bring about centralized organization
for the benefit of the present and
future generations interested in avia-
ton. If our youths are to make prog
ress in education and industry, it is
necessary that we in no way suppress
the ambition of our youth, but in
stead offer every encouragement to
them
Recently, ] received a letter from
DR.. MacKerrow of Worcester, Mass,
stating that he was very much inter
ested in aviation and that he would
like very much to know my plans. He
believes that much progress could be
H., tpH
properly.
1t is my plan to organize all inter
ested in aviation into a nationwide
club" Wings Over Aviation Club"
with local clubs in the various cities.
I intend to set up the clubs and con-
tact each member personally, that |
may know what ability exists. Since
such a program could hardly be car
ried out by a small group, | plan to
publish a monthly magazine covering
the progress of Colored people in avia-
ton. I hope to have $4,000 persons
subscribe yearly thus sponsoring and
establishing the group in the industry.
know that many of my readers
may think all this as mere talk and
will say, go ahead, if you make any
progress l will help. l am asking my
readers to send me names of persons
interested and pictures relating to
aviation. I further ask those who have
Joined my aviation drive to send 25
cents for membership cards and wing
pins.
A letter from Cyril Burke of ROx-
bury, Mass, asks for a plan to con-
struct a miniature gas engine which he
would like to make in the school
machine shop. At present / have not
vet been able to locate such plan,
but I will kee~ YOUR desire in mind,
though l do think you should first own
one of the Minis ure gas engines and
learn all about the working Of it, as
you are at present just a beginner in
high school.
While in Boston last week (where
I have sent Frank Haynes of New
York for a number of years to the
Jordan Marsh Model airplane contest,)
I contacted more than rs young men
and set up a local club, the Boston
Aero Technical Club, with the follow
ing officers: Pres. James McLaurin;
Vice President, Joseph Youngblood;
Sec'y Henry Kenswill and Treas,
Thomas Morrison. The club meets
every Wednesday at 14O Worcester st.
from 7 to pm. The boys do not
build at the meeting, but meet to show
their models. We will try to make
every meeting highly interesting.
While here in New York have been
encouraged by the Editor of the Am
sterdam News who will cooperate with
me in furnishing cuts and other ma
terials.