Last month, the Legacy Flight Academy (LFA) held its “Eyes Above the Horizon” event in Tuskegee, Alabama, where over more than 80 students fostered their interest in aviation.
The event, held at the historic Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, featured another original Tuskegee Airman: Brigadier General Charles McGee.
“I am so thankful for all those who support LFA in accomplishing our mission,” said Kenyatta
Ruffin, original LFA Founder and 2020 Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award recipient. “When I think about how LFA started 10 years ago, the impact we’re currently making, and where we will be 10 years from now, I can’t help but to be motivated. In February of this year, LFA conducted their largest program ever in Charleston, SC where they flew 114 youth in collaboration with the Air Force’s ‘Accelerating the Legacy Black History Month event.’”
“You just never know the impact you will have,” he said. “I met a little kid five or six years ago at an Eyes Above the Horizon event, and his parents found me today to share that he plans on going to the U.S. Air Force Academy to become a pilot. This is why we do what we do.”
Kenneth Thomas, LFA president and founder of Eyes Above the Horizon, previously told FLYING why his work is crucial to the future of Black aviation.
“I would call it a celebration of representation,” he said. “It’s a program that we put together to introduce underrepresented youth to aviation through flight introduction, through mentorship, and through the history and legacy of the historic Tuskegee Airmen.”
On April 9, the LFA will hold its annual “Tuskegee99” fundraising event, which is held on the 99th day of the year, paying homage to the first African American flying squadron—the 99th Fighter Squadron.
As part of the fundraiser, the LFA’s goal is to receive $99 donations from 99 supporters, where 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward its youth aviation and STEM programs.