Expressing support for the designation of February 16, 2026, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day".

119th Congress Introduced by Lucy McBath and 1 co-sponsor

The bill urges the President to designate February 16, 2026 as International Black Aviation Professionals Day and to promote education and opportunities highlighting Black aviation

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Overview

Bill: H.Res.1064 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Date Introduced: February 12, 2026

Sponsor: Representative Williams (GA); co-sponsors include Rep. McBath (GA) and Rep. Williams as primary

Status: Referred to the House committees (Transportation and Infrastructure; Education and Workforce) and later to the Subcommittee on Aviation

Type: House Resolution expressing support for designating February 16, 2026, as “International Black Aviation Professionals Day”

Main purpose and intent

The resolution expresses support for designating February 16, 2026 as International Black Aviation Professionals Day.

It aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to aviation, space exploration, and the broader aviation industry.

It calls for a Presidential proclamation to elevate awareness and appreciation of Black aviation pioneers and professionals.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Declaration of support

The House expresses support for designating International Black Aviation Professionals Day.

Section 2: Observance

The House encourages observation of the day through recognition and celebration of Black aviation professionals’ contributions.

Section 3: Presidential proclamation (request to the President)

The resolution requests the President to issue a proclamation with:
Acknowledgment of the stories and contributions of Black American aviation professionals who broke barriers and advanced aviation.
Enhanced educational curriculum in schools, libraries, and other learning venues to educate the public about Black aviation pioneers.
Support for greater opportunities for Black Americans in all areas of aviation.

Who/what would be affected

Individuals: Black American aviation professionals, including pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, engineers, scientists, and other aviation workers.

Institutions: Schools, libraries, museums, and educational organizations that would integrate expanded curricula about Black aviation pioneers.

Public sector: Federal acknowledgment via a Presidential proclamation; potential alignment with public awareness events.

Private sector: Encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the aviation industry.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Referral:

Initially referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Workforce.
Subsection: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation on February 13, 2026.

Action requested:

The resolution urges the President to issue a proclamation designating February 16, 2026, as International Black Aviation Professionals Day and to promote educational and career opportunities in aviation.

Scope:

As a House resolution, it does not itself become law or mandate policy, but it formalizes congressional support and encourages executive action and public awareness.

Notable context and emphasis

The resolution includes a historical recap highlighting numerous Black pioneers and milestones in aviation and space exploration (e.g., Emory Malick, Bessie Coleman, Tuskegee Airmen, Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison, Guion Bluford, Mary Jackson, etc.).

It underscores the ongoing need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in aviation and STEM fields, and references FAA programs and partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as part of broader diversification efforts.