Ruth Carol Taylor was is a notable nurse in Black History, as she was the first African American flight attendant in the United States. Ms. Taylor attended Elmira College, and graduated from the Bellevue School of Nursing in 1955, both in New York.

Although she began her nursing career at 24, after several years, she decided to explore the airline industry. In doing so, she broke the color barrier that existed in the airline industry among stewardesses. After applying, and subsequently being rejected by Trans World Airline (TWA), she filed a complaint against the company with the New York State Commission on Discrimination.

She later applied for an opportunity with Mohawk Airlines, who were seeking minority flight attendants, and was selected and hired from a list of 800 black applicants. Additionally, in 1958, after pressure by TWA, she was hired as the first African American flight attendant for a major airline carrier.

In 1977, Ms. Taylor resumed her career in nursing and co-founded the Institute for Inter Racial harmony. She also wrote The Little Black Book: Black Male Survival in America in 1985. The book was a guide to help young black men succeed in a racist society.

Fifty years after breaking the barrier to become the first black flight attendant, Ms. Taylor’s accomplishment was recognized by the New York State Assembly. Ms. Taylor currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Ms. Taylor is the epitome of Black History after breaking many barriers through her activism and nursing experience. We thank her for her service in both industries.

Source: VanHouten, M. (2021, January 13). Ruth Carol Taylor (1931- ). https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/taylor-ruth-carol-1931/