Captain Theresa Claiborne became the first Black women to fly in America’s Air Force in 1982. (Photo courtesy of DRBA)
On Tuesday, March 11, Captain Theresa Claiborne, the first Black woman to fly in the United States Air Force, will take the stage at Delaware State University to share her journey.
The free public event, named “Beyond Boundaries: Where Imagination Takes Flight,” is part of the university’s celebration of Women’s History Month and will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the William B. DeLauder Theatre, located inside the Education and Humanities Building at DSU.
Captain Claiborne’s groundbreaking career spans over four decades and includes historic milestones, such as being the first Black woman pilot in the U.S. Air Force in 1982.
Theresa Claiborne’s legacy
After serving for 20 years as an aircraft commander and instructor, she transitioned to a civilian career with United Airlines, becoming one of only 24 Black women pilots among the airline’s 17,000+ pilots.
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She retired in May 2024 as a captain on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, having amassed over 22,000 flight hours.
The event is a celebration of Claiborne’s achievements and the barriers she has shattered throughout her career.
As president of Sisters of the Skies, an organization dedicated to increasing the representation of Black women in aviation, Claiborne is also deeply committed to mentorship and inspiring the next generation of pilots.
She has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Katherine Wright Trophy and AOPA’s Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award.
“Through the Jane & Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, the Delaware Historical Society joins learning communities in exploring and amplifying the histories and narratives of individuals who push boundaries in positive directions,” said Ivan Henderson, executive director of Delaware Historical Society. “These leaders provide inspiration for people of all backgrounds to hone remarkable skills in the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams. We salute Captain Claiborne for blazing trails in service of our country and thank her for sharing her ongoing journey with our broader community.”
Following her keynote address, Captain Claiborne will meet with attendees and pose for pictures.
Admission is free, though registration is encouraged and can be completed here.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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