As the "Tuskegee Airman" were the Air Forces' pioneer African-American pilots, the "Barnstormers" of the 1930's were the pioneers of American black aviation. Performing air shows though out America, to largely black audiences, they motivated many to seek flying. Although this painting does not depict a specific day or event, it captures the nostalgia and romance of early African-American aviation. Inspired by the dozens of performers and thrill seekers who helped broaden the scope of American aviation. Many of these pilots would later become the instructor cadre of the Tuskegee Army Air Field. James Herman Banning and Thomas Cox Banning completed the first trans-continental (coast to coast) flight by African-Americans on October 9th,1932. One of the subjects holds a copy of William Powell's 1934 book "Black Wing," which was dedicated to African-American aviatrix Bessie Coleman. The aircraft is a Curtiss "Jenny" a favorite of "barnstormers". The airshow signs are also depicted from vintage photos of Black Airshows. By setting the example they could do it, these pilots encouraged others to follow. https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/crossing-country-james-h-banning
