100 Black Men hosts annual aviation academy

Young people were introduced to what it's like to be a top gun pilot while attending the 4th annual Aviation Academy sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV.

Day one of the academy began on June 24 at the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe College at 3000 NW 83rd St.

"We thank God for them for taking the time out to make a difference in the community," said Darry Lloyd, chief deputy investigator for the Eighth Judicial Circuit's State Attorney's Office, who served as emcee for the event.

David Bridges, chair of the aviation program for 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, served as the flight instructor during the academy

"We want to get you up in the air," Bridges said. "We want you to have a good time and be safe."

Matt Bowman, vice president of the chapter and a former Navy pilot, shared his experience in aviation with those attending the academy.

While wearing an olive green flight jumpsuit, Bowman showed the trailer of the movie "Top Gun," which stars Tom Cruise as a skilled Navy pilot..

"Top Gun gives you a glimpse of what our life is like," Bowman said. "Words can't describe how aviation is. There's no minimum age to start in the aviation field. It's a once in a lifetime experience. Children are the next generation of aviation leaders."

Jamar Hebert, president of the local chapter of 100 Black Men, said he was fortunate to have the resources and help to make the aviation academy a success.

"Thank you to all the members and parents who have taken out time this evening to invest in their children," Hebert said. "The four core values of our organization is education, mentorship, health and economic empowerment and tonight goes along with our mission. Most people don't know much about aviation, but this program helps us to educate them."

Kristy Goldwire, director of program operations for Children's Trust of Alachua County, said it was important for the trust to fund the academy.

Children's Trust of Alachua County was approved by voters in 2018. Voters agreed to tax themselves an extra half-mill on property taxes to generate roughly $7 million a year to support children's programs.

"Our responsibility is to speak to families to find out what is needed," Goldwire said. "We want to be extremely intentional to make sure they have access to everything they need. When our children are doing good, everybody's children are doing good."

Rick Stevenson, Ph.D., professor of African American studies at the University of Florida, is a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, and he talked about the importance of mentoring.

"We take mentorship as a foundation for our communities," Stevenson said. "We strive to mentor young Black men and women and to build sustainability and culture. Their future rests on our shoulders."

James Albury, director of the planetarium, described what it was like when he entered a planetarium in Miami for the first time at the age of 6..

He also shared his perspective on the importance astronomy plays in aviation.

"It looked like a movie theater but round and the ceiling was white and shaped like a dome," Albury said. "My dad planted a seed in me when it came to the love I have for astronomy."

Day two (June 25) of the aviation academy began on Saturday at the University Air Center located at 4701 NE 40th Terrace.

Dozens of students and parents were listened to the flight lessons and prepared to take flight with Bridges.

"I really like it," said Noah Brock, a Santa Fe High School student. "It gives children an opportunity to learn about aviation."

His mother, Brandalyn Williams, said the event was a great way to expose him to different people in multiple career fields.

"It's been amazing to hear different perspectives and to see people that look like them in different areas," Williams said. "The mentorship helps, especially for single mothers."

Williams said programs like the aviation academy helps her son meet new friends in his age group.

"These events helps him to come out into his own," Williams said. "It helps them think about the roles they can play. This is very thoughtful. This is needed for the community as a whole."

Mariah Rollins, who attended the event with her son Ever Rollins, said it was a learning experience for them both.

"I am grateful he had this experience," she said. "There has been so much planning and you can feel the effort put into it. They really care for the community. I hope children understand what they're being given."

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV hosted its 4th Annual Aviation Academy